DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2026.v14i10.064

Pages: 2397-2399

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common X-linked enzymatic disorder that predisposes erythrocytes to oxidative hemolysis. We report the case of a 3-year-old male with a maternal family history of G6PD deficiency who presented with a 1-day history of reduced appetite, pallor, and macroscopic hemoglobinuria (tea-colored urine). Initial laboratory evaluation revealed an acute normocytic anemia (hemoglobin 7.9 g/dL) with mild reticulocytosis. Conventional biochemical markers of active hemolysis including serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin had already returned to normal reference limits at presentation, and no active bleeding was noted. A peripheral blood smear demonstrated rare bite cells (degmacytes). Detailed history-taking revealed recent inhalation exposure to naphthalene-enriched domestic henna during Eid celebrations. This case highlights a fully resolved hemolytic event where morphological cues and detailed history-taking, proved pivotal in confirming a self-limiting hemolytic crisis induced by an unusual domestic oxidant.