A case of false hematuria and an unexpected diagnosis

Abstract

Waterpipe tobacco smoking is becoming frequent worldwide with the prevalence increasing among youth. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is the most common enzymatic disorder of red blood cells, predisposing patients to decreased resistance to oxidative stress, when exposed to certain toxic substances.The authors present a case of a 17-year-old male patient, with no relevant past medical history, who presents to the pediatric emergency department complaining of "hematuria". Icteric sclera was identified on physical examination. Hemolytic anemia due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was found and a false hematuria was identified.The present case report is intended as an alert to the waterpipe smoking as a possible cause of false hematuria. Given its prevalence, the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency should be considered in the presence of non-immune hemolytic anemia.