Cases & Conversations: Real-World Insights on the Diagnosis and Management of Cold Agglutinin Disease

Activity Overview

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare subtype of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) driven by immunoglobulin M (IgM) autoantibodies (cold agglutinins) that bind erythrocyte surface antigens and trigger hemolysis exclusively via activation of the classical complement pathway. The clinical presentation of CAD is often nonspecific, leading to a complex differential diagnosis. Clinicians must have a high index of suspicion based on symptoms. The diagnosis of hemolytic anemia is based on hemoglobin levels and markers of hemolysis such as bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and haptoglobin. A monospecific (extended) direct antiglobulin test (DAT), also called a Coombs test, must then be performed to confirm autoimmune pathogenesis and recognize complement activation.

This symposium features our Cases & Conversations format, in which clinical experts use case-based discussions to highlight clinically relevant aspects of diagnosing and managing CAD. This engaging format is designed to help clinicians identify best clinical practices for diagnosis, therapy selection, monitoring for adverse events, and the use of multidisciplinary strategies to improve outcomes for their patients with CAD.

This educational activity is an archive of the live virtual symposium held on September 2, 2026.

System requirements for this online activity are available here.

The activity is free to all users.

Target Audience

This educational activity is directed toward physicians, hematologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other health care professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cold agglutinin disease.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this activity, you should be better prepared to:

• Differentiate CAD from other autoimmune hemolytic anemias based on clinical presentation and pathophysiology
• Apply appropriate diagnostic workup, including DAT interpretation and cold agglutinin testing
• Evaluate mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of approved and emerging CAD therapies
• Individualize treatment selection based on disease severity, symptom burden, and patient characteristics
• Implement strategies for monitoring response and managing complications, including thromboembolic risk

The staff of Physicians’ Education Resource^®, LLC have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

PER^® mitigated all conflicts of interest for faculty, staff, and planners prior to the start of this activity by using a multistep process.

Off-Label Disclosure and Disclaimer

This accredited continuing education activity was planned in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence to ensure balance, objectivity, independence, and scientific rigor. Faculty were instructed to use generic names when possible and to base recommendations on the best available evidence. Proprietary product names may be referenced in clinical discussion for educational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

This activity may include discussion of investigational, unapproved, or off‑label uses of drugs or devices. Learners are advised to consult prescribing information for products discussed. Content is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent clinical judgment of a health care professional. Learners are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and apply their own clinical judgment.

The views expressed are those of the individual faculty members and do not necessarily reflect the views of the accredited provider or any entity providing commercial support.

This activity may have used AI-assisted tools to support educational development. All content was reviewed and approved by qualified faculty or planners. The accredited provider retains full responsibility for accuracy, balance, and independence.