Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Essential Insights for Dental Professionals

Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Essential Insights for Dental Professionals Patients diagnosed with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) face serious health risks when dealing with oral infections. A recent case report from Japan highlights the first known instance where a dental infection led to hemolysis in a CAD patient, underscoring the critical role of dental practitioners in caring for individuals with complex medical conditions. The case involved a 47-year-old man with a ten-year history of CAD who arrived with symptoms including fever, oral discomfort, and fatigue due to a bacterial infection in an upper molar. CAD is an uncommon autoimmune disorder characterized by antibodies that target red blood cells at lower temperatures, resulting in hemolytic anemia. Although cold exposure is a common trigger, this case demonstrated that infections and inflammation alone can provoke severe red blood cell destruction. Following stabilization with blood transfusions and antibiotics, the dental team performed a tooth extraction. They implemented a warming protocol—using heated blankets, pre-warmed IV fluids, and anti-infective strategies—to prevent further hemolytic episodes. These m...