The Clinical Approach toward Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin: A Case Report

Abstract

Fetal hemoglobin is the principal hemoglobin in the human fetus, and the adult levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) are less than 1% of total hemoglobin. A steady increase of HbF in patients with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) is associated with complications. The present report describes HPFH in a 26-year-old man with emphasis on its hemoglobin electrophoresis. The patient was admitted with complaints of recurrent weakness and lethargy, weight loss, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia. Splenectomy was planned due to massive splenomegaly and gastrointestinal complications. Ultimately, electrophoresis confirmed the diagnosis of HPFH.

Keywords

• Blood protein electrophoresis
• Fetal hemoglobin
• Hemoglobinopathies