Graves' Disease: Acquired Cause of a Moderate Increase in Hemoglobin A2 Level

Clin Lab. 2024 May 1;70(5). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2023.231201.

Abstract

Background: Hyperthyroidism can lead to diverse hematological disorders, such as microcytosis and a mild increase in hemoglobin A2 fraction.

Methods: This study reported a 31-year-old woman of Moroccan origin recently diagnosed with Graves' disease. Her blood tests revealed microcytosis, hypochromia, and a normal ferritin level. A phenotypic analysis of hemo-globin was performed using two techniques: capillary electrophoresis and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.

Results: Both techniques indicated a slight increase in hemoglobin A2 level. These results initially suggested het-erozygous beta-thalassemia, eventually correlating with the concurrent presence of Graves' disease, as evidenced by the normalization of hemoglobin A2 level following treatment.

Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of having clinical, biological, and therapeutic data for a relevant interpretation of a phenotypic hemoglobin study.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Ferritins / blood
  • Graves Disease* / blood
  • Graves Disease* / complications
  • Hemoglobin A2* / analysis
  • Humans
  • beta-Thalassemia / blood

Substances

  • Ferritins
  • Hemoglobin A2