Hemolytic jaundice induced by pharmacological dose ascorbic acid in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: A case report

RATIONALE: Hemolysis induced by high dose ascorbic acid (AA) in patients with G6PD deficiency has been reported, but is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a male with G6PD deficiency, coexpressed with cholecystolithiasis and cholecystitis, who developed extreme hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia after receiving pharmacological doses ascorbic acid infusion. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 27-year-old man history with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was admitted to our hospital because of cholecystolithiasis and cholecystitis. He appeared with scleral jaundice and very deep colored urine after receiving pharmacological doses ascorbic acid infusion. DIAGNOSES: Clinical findings when combined with his medical history and various laboratory results confirmed the diagnosis as hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia induced by ascorbic acid. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with steroids, hepatoprotective drugs, and folic acid in addition avoidance of agents with known hemolysis risk (such as vitamin C). OUTCOMES: As a result, the patient's symptoms from hemolytic jaundice improved, hemoglobin remained stable, and the patient was discharged 11 days later. LESSONS: Clinicians should bear in mind the possibility that vitamin C exposure may result in hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency, especially in those with known severe disease.