Zeitschrift für klinische und medizinische Genomik

Henna-Induced Haemolysis in an Un-diagnosed G6PD Deficient Arabian Baby-Case Report

Abstract

Alhazmi AA, Hamedhi FI, Alaksham HM, Mubaraki MA, Hattan M, Mady AM, Zakari EIY and Khan LA

Henna derived from the dried crushed leaves of the henna plant-Lawsonia inermis Linn- used commonly in ceremonial and social events throughout the Asia, Middle East and Africa that contain an active dye ingredient lawsone. Like other ortho-substituted 1,4-naphthaoquinone, lawsone induce oxidative injury to red blood cells, that could be fatal in G6PD deficient infants and rarely in children and adults. We report a previously undiagnosed G6PD deficient Arabian baby with life threatening haemolysis after topical application of henna.