Misidentification of unstable, low oxygen affinity hemoglobin variant

Background We present a case of Hemoglobin (Hgb) Louisville in a 6-y old girl presenting with hypoxia and mild hemolytic anemia. Methods Hgb Louisville is a rare, unstable hemoglobin variant with low oxygen affinity, but initial workup of this case using widely-available hemoglobin fractionation methods was unable to differentiate this variant from normal hemoglobins. Results This resulted in a delayed diagnosis. Conclusion This case highlights the limitations of routine hemoglobin fractionation methods for correct diagnosis of hemoglobin variants, and subsequent impact on patient care and management.