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Enema of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Published on: January 27, 2023
Acute G6PD deficiency haemolytic crises with associated methaemoglobinaemia in a patient with typhoid
Jake P Jacob1,2, Midhun T John1,2, Gilad Mensky1,2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked disorder that increases red blood cell susceptibility to oxidative damage. While haemolysis is common, methaemoglobinaemia is a rare complication. A 39-year-old man developed both conditions, triggered by Salmonella typhi infection. Diagnosis was supported by Heinz bodies and blister cells on blood smear. Methylene blue and high-dose ascorbic acid were relatively contraindicated because of ongoing haemolysis and renal dysfunction.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked disorder that increases red blood cell susceptibility to oxidative damage. While haemolysis is common, methaemoglobinaemia is a rare complication. A 39-year-old man developed both conditions, triggered by Salmonella typhi infection. Diagnosis was supported by Heinz bodies and blister cells on blood smear. Methylene blue and high-dose ascorbic acid were relatively contraindicated because of ongoing haemolysis and renal dysfunction.
Contribution:
This case highlights the importance of considering methaemoglobinaemia in G6PD deficiency during infections and adapting treatment when standard therapies are unsuitable.
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