SESSION TITLE: Genetic and Developmental Disorders Case Report Posters
SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters
PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm
INTRODUCTION: Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the more common hematologic disorders. Many individuals are asymptomatic until a triggering event. Events that lead to hemolysis in the setting of G6PD include certain medications, infections, and specific foods. We discuss a case of G6PD deficiency diagnosed in a hospitalized adult with COVID infection.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 41 year old male presented to the hospital with altered mental status. On admission he was found to be in diabetic ketoacidosis and was COVID positive. He was admitted to the ICU and his acidosis was corrected with insulin. He did not require intubation but was treated with steroids, remdesivir, and supplemental oxygen for his COVID pneumonia. His hospitalization was complicated by hemolytic anemia. Testing for autoimmune hemolytic anemia and HIT (heparin induced thrombocytopenia) were negative. Genetic testing for G6PD deficiency came back positive. The patient was discharged and referred to hematology for follow up.
DISCUSSION: Interestingly, our patient was asymptomatic prior to his COVID infection. It is likely that the stress from his COVID infection triggered worsening hemolysis. G6PD can be worsened with specific medications or foods but we cannot exclude infection. The inflammatory response secondary to COVID is the probable cause for the patient's hemolytic anemia presentation and subsequent G6PD deficiency diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS: G6PD deficiency should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with COVID infection and labs consistent with hemolytic anemia.
Reference #1: Buinitskaya Y, Gurinovich R, Wlodaver CG, Kastsiuchenka S. Centrality of G6PD in COVID-19: The Biochemical Rationale and Clinical Implications. Front Med (Lausanne). 2020;7:584112. Published 2020 Oct 22. doi:10.3389/fmed.2020.584112
DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Sarin Atam
No relevant relationships by Kathleen Coppola
No relevant relationships by Malik Muhammad Uzair Khan
No relevant relationships by Mackenzie Kramer
No relevant relationships by Rameesha Mehreen
No relevant relationships by Stephanie Tzarnas
No relevant relationships by Laura Walters