Hepatitis A Virus-induced Severe Hemolysis Complicated by Severe Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Abstract

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an x-linked recessive genetic disorder with mutation in the G6PD gene. Defect in the enzyme G6PD causes red blood cells (RBCs) to breakdown prematurely causing hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is also a known hematological complication associated with viral hepatitis. In such patients, hemolysis may be more severe if there is any secondary injury to RBC in the form of membrane defect, oxidative stress, or enzyme deficiency like in G6PD deficiency. Here, we present a case of an adult, not previously diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, who presented with viral hepatitis, severe hemolysis, and multiorgan failure.

Unravelling the debate on heme effects in COVID-19 infections

“…It might be conceivable, that this is due to a rapid turnover of red blood cells, which would lead to a degradation of hemoglobin and, in turn, to an increase of heme. Although for some viruses it is known that they cause hemolysis of red blood cells, such as hepatitis A (Goel et al, 2018), a similar behavior has not yet been described for SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses.…”