Henna-Induced Haemolysis in an Un-diagnosed G6PD Deficient Arabian Baby

What is it about?

Henna derived from the dried crushed leaves of the henna plant-Lawsonia inermis Linn- used commonly in ceremonial and social events throughout the Asia, Middle East and Africa that contain an active dye ingredient lawsone. Like other ortho-substituted 1,4-naphthaoquinone, lawsone induce oxidative injury to red blood cells, that could be fatal in G6PD deficient infants and rarely in children and adults

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Why is it important?

Нe report of this case highlights the risk of life threatening risk of henna to cause acute haemolysis in G6PD deficient patients in specific and undiagnosed cases in general. Нus, henna application should be discouraged generally in unscreened infants and specifically individuals of any age group with a family history or known cases of G6PD deficiency.