Transfusion-induced hemoglobinopathy in patients of beta-thalassemia major.

Apparent hemoglobinopathy acquired after blood transfusion is an uncommon cause of diagnostic dilemma resulting in repeated testing and delay in the diagnosis. Out of the 1530 hemoglobin (Hb)-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) performed at our hospital (May 2009 to April 2010), 3 pediatric cases of thalassemia major were detected having posttransfusion hemoglobinopathy with HbS ranging from 9.9% to 18.5%. In all three cases, there was no variant hemoglobin in earlier documented Hb-HPLC. It is important to be aware of and consider apparent transfusion-induced hemoglobinopathy in patients with unusual percentage of variant hemoglobin to avoid unnecessary treatment and counseling.