[Inappropriate low glycated hemoglobin and hemolysis]

Rev Med Interne. 2009 Jun;30(6):525-7. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2008.10.010. Epub 2008 Nov 18.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), measured regularly in the patients with diabetes, is the major form of stable glycated hemoglobin and has to be maintained below 6.5% to prevent or decrease the risk of chronic complications. HbA1c reflects mean blood glucose levels of the previous 3 months. We report the case of a particularly low HbA1c in a diabetic patient despite high plasma glucose levels, that was induced by auto-immune hemolysis related to an Evans syndrome. All hemolytic disorders can be responsible for falsely reassuring HbA1c values. Clinicians must be aware that hematologic status has to be considered for the correct interpretation of HbA1c results.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / diagnosis*
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Diabetes Mellitus / blood*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • hemoglobin A1c protein, human