Acute pancreatitis due to massive hemolysis in a child with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: A case Report

Abstract

The incidence of massive intravascular hemolysis causing pancreatitis is 25%; however, it is an often missed entity. Proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines during hemolysis along with heme-induced neutrophil activation, chemoattraction, and disturbance in microcirculation are suggested as causative factors. We describe a case of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in a child which was latent through his childhood, triggering a hemolytic episode induced by Leptospira infection. In a patient with acute hemolysis, presenting with severe epigastric pain, one should therefore be aware of the possibility of the occurrence of pancreatitis.