Erythrocyte Flow Cytometric Analysis in Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type III-Evaluation of Eosin-5´-Maleimide, CD55, and CD59

Introduction: Flow cytometry with eosin-5´-maleimide (EMA), anti-CD55 and anti-CD59 is commonly used when investigating non-autoimmune hemolytic anemias. Reduced fluorescence of EMA, typically detected in hereditary spherocytosis is also seen in congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II (CDA II). Reduction of CD55 and CD59 characterizes paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). We studied the flow cytometric profile of EMA, CD55 and CD59 on erythrocytes in congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type III (CDA III). Methods: Erythrocytes from 16 CDA III positive individuals, 14 CDA III negative relatives and three normal controls per assay were studied with flow cytometry after EMA staining. Flow cytometry after anti-CD55 and anti- CD59 was performed on erythrocytes from 12 CDA III positive and 7 CDA III negative relatives with one normal control per assay. Results: CDA III - erythrocytes exhibited marginally stronger fluorescence after EMA-staining than normal controls. Correlation between EMA fluorescence and erythrocyte volume was confirmed. CDA III subjects did not differ from normal controls concerning CD55 and CD59. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate no abnormality of the erythrocyte membrane in CDA III and show that standard flow cytometry cannot be used to discriminate between CDA III and normal controls.