Unexplained Late-Onset Hemolytic Jaundice Preceded by High Fetal Hemoglobin Level in an Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant

Clin Lab. 2020 Jan 1;66(1). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2019.190625.

Abstract

Background: Preterm infants sometimes have transient late-onset hemolytic jaundice; however, the etiology has yet to be determined.

Case presentation: In our case, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level increased significantly to 100% at 23 days of age. Levels of methemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin also increased to 2.9% and 3.5%, respectively, following the elevated HbF level. At 26 days, hemolytic jaundice developed. No abnormality of red blood cell membranes and enzyme activities was found.

Conclusions: The etiology of late-onset hemolytic jaundice in preterm infants may associate with an impaired switching from HbF to adult hemoglobin (HbA) or reverse switching from HbA to HbF.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Erythrocytes / pathology
  • Fetal Hemoglobin / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Jaundice*
  • Male
  • Methemoglobin / analysis

Substances

  • Methemoglobin
  • Fetal Hemoglobin