Acute haemolytic anaemia precipitated by fava bean ingestion in a patient with previously undiagnosed glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Selama Tesfamariam, Brent Lorenzen
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Case in brief
A patient with previously undiagnosed glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency developed acute haemolytic anaemia after consuming fava bean snacks. Symptoms included fatigue, dyspnoea, jaundice, and dark urine. Laboratory tests confirmed severe anaemia and signs of haemolysis. G6PD deficiency was confirmed through testing, leading to appropriate dietary counselling to prevent future episodes.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider G6PD deficiency in cases of unexplained acute haemolytic anaemia, regardless of the patient's age, sex, or ethnicity.
Why it matters
This case emphasizes the need for dietary and medication counselling in patients with G6PD deficiency to prevent recurrent haemolytic crises.