Henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) inducing haemolysis among G6PD-deficient newborns. A new clinical observation.
Over a 10-year period, 15 glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient male newborns were admitted to Al-Jahra Hospital with acute haemolysis a few days after applying henna dye over the body, which is a unique Bedouin tribal practice to celebrate the arrival of the first-born boy. Laboratory investigations revealed significant anaemia, reticulocytosis and indirect hyperbilirubinaemia among the index newborns as compared with controls (p < 0.001). The mean (SD) haemoglobin concentration in index patients was 113.4 (13.4) g/l vs 171.2 (11.2) g/l in controls, reticulocytic count 13.8% (4.2%) vs 1.4% (0.74%), and indirect bilirubin 382.8 (58.7) mumol/l vs 63.7 (61.4) mumol/l. G6PD-deficient newborns with haemolysis linked to henna application had delayed age at presentation and a higher reticulocytic count and hyperbilirubinaemia compared with non-henna-induced haemolysis (p < 0.05). Percutaneous henna absorption is well recognized and clinical findings support the harmful effect of henna on G6PD-deficient red blood cells. A local health education programme has been established to prevent the use of henna dye in infancy.
Kandil
H H
HH
Department of Paediatrics, Al-Jahra Hospital, Kuwait.
al-Ghanem
M M
MM
Sarwat
M A
MA
al-Thallab
F S
FS
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D005955:Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency / Q000150:complications*; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic; D009285:Naphthoquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D012869:Skin Absorption
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009285:Naphthoquinones; C005090:lawsone