Hemoglobin life-threatening value (1.9 g/dl) in good general condition: a pediatric case-report

Abstract

Abstract Background We report a pediatric patient presenting in good general condition despite a hemoglobin value of 1,9 g/dL, which is normally regarded as life-threatening. Case presentation An African 5 years-old girl presented to our Emergency Department (ED) for worsening asthenia, within a clinical picture of good general condition. The hemoglobin value at admission was 1,9 g/dL. The subsequent diagnostic-therapeutic pathway highlighted the presence of two different causes, both well known to be responsible for chronic anemia (with slow reduction of hemoglobin values): iron deficiency anemia (IDA) due to a very low dietary intake of iron-rich foods, and homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS). She received transfusions of packed red blood cells (overall 15 ml/kg) and subsequently intravenous iron preparations (total amount 200 mg) followed by oral iron supplements. The Hb value at discharge, 10 days after the admission, was 9.8 g/dL. Conclusions When approaching a picture of severe anemia, we suggest pediatricians take into consideration clinical conditions rather than laboratory values and to take advantage of detailed anamnestic data in order to make the diagnosis.

Keywords

• Severe anemia
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Children
• Case report