A Case of Anaemia With High-Grade Splenomegaly

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• High-grade splenomegaly is prevalent in tropical regions, with diverse parasitic and nonparasitic etiologies.
• Haemoglobin E/β-thalassaemia, a significant hematological disorder, presents with severe anemia and splenomegaly, particularly in tropical climates.
• Global migration has expanded the geographic distribution of Haemoglobin E/β-thalassaemia beyond its origin in Southeast Asia.

Observation:

• An adolescent male with Haemoglobin E/β-thalassaemia presented with severe anemia and high-grade splenomegaly, necessitating frequent blood transfusions.
• The patient exhibited significant splenic enlargement and a critical need for regular blood transfusions due to the hematological condition.

Findings:

• Treatment with folic acid and antioxidant vitamins led to a substantial reduction in the patient's requirement for blood transfusions.
• Hemoglobin levels in the patient were restored to near-normal ranges following the therapeutic intervention.
• The intervention also resulted in a measurable decrease in the size of the spleen, alleviating the high-grade splenomegaly.

Implications:

• Folic acid and antioxidant vitamin supplementation offers a promising conservative management strategy for Haemoglobin E/β-thalassaemia patients with splenomegaly and anemia.
• This approach may reduce the burden of regular blood transfusions and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
• Further research into nutritional and antioxidant therapies could provide valuable non-invasive treatment options for this global hematological disorder.