Abstract
Background: Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia is a serious adverse reaction that may result from drug administration, especially in cases of glucose-6-phospate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Objective: To report a case of acute hemolytic anemia in a 30-year-old Saudi male after receiving Semaglutide injection.
Case Report: A 30-year-old Saudi male with G6PD deficiency presented to the Emergency Department of Aseer Central Hospital, Abha City, Saudi Arabia with acute onset of yellow discoloration of the eyes, palpitation, mild backache, fatigue, and dark urine. The symptoms started one day after receiving the second dose of Semaglutide injection. He looked pale and the sclera were slightly icteric. Laboratory investigations showed high serum levels of liver enzymes and the total bilirubin. The RBCs count as well as the hemoglobin and the hematocrit were low, while reticulocyte count was high. The diagnosis was acute hemolytic anemia, most probably triggered by a recent Semaglutide injection. Following the discontinuation of Semaglutide, his clinical condition improved.
Conclusions: G6PD deficiency should be considered in all clinical settings, and the hemolytic conditions that can possibly be precipitated by drugs not well known to cause hemolysis. Screening of newborn infants to early detect G6PD deficiency early is highly recommended, especially in those with positive family history of G6PD.