A Rare Haemoglobin Variant Identified as K Woolwich in a Pakistani Male

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2015 Oct:25 Suppl 2:S100-1. doi: 10.2015/JCPSP.S30S32.

Abstract

Haemoglobin (Hb) K Woolwich is a rare Hb variant which was first described in a family from West Indies and its occurrence was later reported mainly in Black families from many African countries. We report a case of a young male who came for evaluation of anemia. His complete blood count showed hypochromic, microcytic anemia and his serum ferritin was low. Hb electrophoresis done as part of initial workup showed an abnormal band which moved faster than HbA. For further evaluation, Hb analysis by high performance liquid chromatography was subsequently performed and revealed Hb K Woolwich. This is a rare Hb variant recognized in Pakistani population for the first time through careful interpretation of the chromatographic behavior of the Hb.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Hypochromic / blood*
  • Anemia, Hypochromic / etiology
  • Asian People
  • Blood Protein Electrophoresis
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Ferritins / blood
  • Hemoglobins / analysis*
  • Hemoglobins, Abnormal*
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Hemoglobins, Abnormal
  • Ferritins
  • hemoglobin K Woolwich

Supplementary concepts

  • Anemia, hypochromic microcytic