Neonatal Med.  2023 Feb;30(1):14-19. 10.5385/nm.2023.30.1.14.

Breaking Free from Your Fetal Chains: A Case-Based Review of the Literature on Gamma Chain Variant Hemoglobinopathies

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Neonatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India
  • 2Caritas Hospital and Institute of Health Sciences, Thellakom, India
  • 3Department of Clinical Genetics, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India

Abstract

Methemoglobinemia is a dyshemoglobinemia characterized by cyanosis and reduced oxygen saturation with increased methemoglobin values. The etiology may be congenital or acquired, with the latter being more common. We report a case of a full-term neonate who presented with transient cyanosis and methemoglobinemia caused by a mutation in the gamma chain of fetal hemoglobin.

Keyword

Cyanosis; Methemoglobin; Fetal hemoglobin

Figure

  • Figure 1. A suggested approach to a cyanotic baby. Abbreviations: SpO2, saturation of partial pressure oxygen; PaO2, arterial oxygen pressure.


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