We report the case of a 61-year-old Canadian male of Maltese descent investigated for unexplained polycythemia. Decreased p50 suggested the presence of a high oxygen affinity hemoglobin (Hb) variant. Molecular genetic testing demonstrated that he carries a novel missense mutation (HBB: c.258T>G), resulting in a Phe→Leu substitution at position 85 of the β chain. The novel Hb variant has been designated Hb Kennisis in recognition of where the proband resides. Two other missense mutations have been reported at this position [Hb Bryn Mawr or Hb Buenos Aires, β85(F1)Phe→Ser (HBB: c.257T>C); Hb Grantham, β85(F1)Phe→Cys; (HBB: c.257T>G)], both of which have increased oxygen affinity.
Keywords: Erythrocytosis; hemoglobin (Hb) variant; high oxygen affinity.