Detection of Hb Rothschild HBB: c.[112T>A or 112T>C], Through High Index of Suspicion on Abnormal Pulse Oximetry.

We describe a case with a low oxygen affinity hemoglobin (Hb) variant who presented with cyanosis in the absence of cardiopulmonary disease. The patient, a 27-year-old pregnant female (P1G2), complained of a productive cough and bluish discoloration of the lips that started 3 days prior to seeking attention. She had no previous episodes and has generally been in good health.

Alpha-thalassaemia trait as a cause of unexplained microcytosis in a South African population.

Background: Red cell microcytosis is a common abnormality detected in a full blood count, which often prompts clinicians to investigate further for a cause. In the absence of iron deficiency and anaemia of chronic disease, the differential diagnosis includes β-thalassaemia trait and α-thalassaemia trait.

Methods: We investigated the contribution of α-thalassaemia trait in South African subjects with unexplained microcytosis.

Bone marrow aspirate microscopy v. bone marrow trephine biopsy microscopy for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health problem. According to the 2013 Global Report on Tuberculosis, 8.6 million people developed TB in 2012 and 1.

Acquired haemoglobin H disease.

Acquired haemoglobin H disease has been described in various premalignant haematological conditions and is most commonly associated with myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative syndromes. The condition is not restricted to any specific population group or geography. Affected individuals have no family or past history of alpha thalassaemia and these subjects usually suffer from severe uncompensated haemolysis.