Patient: 8 day old infant boy
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Source: Hong Kong, 1985
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| Presenting features: |
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Sudden jaundice after breast-feeding at home. |
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Been observed in hospital for the first 7 days after birth for being G6PD
deficient.
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| Relevant Investigations: |
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High serum bilirubin, lowish hemoglobin and reticulocytes.
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| Diagnosis: |
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Hemolytic jaundice.
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| Background: |
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Mom had been informed of G6PD deficiency in baby and agents to avoid contact
with baby. |
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Repeated questioning revealed mom had put on an over-coat (previously
stored with moth-balls) before this breast-feeding.
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| Progress: |
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Phototherapy with good response
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| Lessons: |
| 1) |
Naphthalene vapor is very
potent in precipitating hemolysis in G6PD deficient subjects. |
| 2) |
Moth-ball as insect-repellent is popularly
used among Chinese. |
| 3) |
Mother's clothings and blankets must
be included onto list of materials to avoid contact with Naphthalene in G6PD deficient subjects.
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