A Dutch Family with Hb Debrousse: Severe Anemia After Parvovirus B19 Infection

Abstract

Hb Debrousse [β96(FG3)Leu→Pro] is an unstable hemoglobin (Hb) variant with high oxygen affinity. We describe a case of chronic compensated hemolysis in a 39-year-old woman in whom the variant was found. Soon after the diagnosis was made, she and her son were admitted to the hospital with severe anemia due to Parvovirus B19 infection. The son also appeared to have the Hb Debrousse variant. Parvovirus B19 infection is a life-threatening disease in patients with (compensated) hemolysis.

Keywords:

• Hemoglobinopathy
• Hb Debrousse
• Parvovirus B19
• Hemolysis
• Unstable hemoglobin (Hb)