Hepatitis A-associated oxidative haemolysis in a patient with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency with co-inherited sickle cell trait.
Poshika Dhingra, Paige Shelemey, Rahima Bhanji
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A young male presented with pruritus, nausea, and jaundice following travel to West Africa, lacking hepatitis A vaccination. Laboratory tests revealed severe hepatocellular injury and non-immune haemolysis, with findings including elevated ALT and bilirubin levels. Acute hepatitis A was confirmed alongside glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and sickle cell trait. The patient improved with supportive care and monitoring.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider oxidative haemolysis in patients with jaundice returning from endemic areas, especially in those with underlying glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of preventive measures, such as vaccination and chemoprophylaxis, for travelers to areas with infectious diseases.