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Case–control studies of novel hemoglobin anomalies as differential diagnosis in sleep apnea syndrome

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Abstract

Purpose

Pulse oximetry plays an essential role in the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome. We discovered two novel hemoglobin anomalies, Hb Bonn and Hb Venusberg, which initially resulted in avoidable sleep disorder examinations and therapeutic consequences due to their low oxygen saturation levels as measured by pulse oximetry.

Methods

Hematological as well as clinical chemical diagnosis was carried out. Hemoglobin anomalies were detected through electrophoresis, chromatography, spectrophotometry, and pulse oximetry as well as hemoglobin gene sequencing.

Results

Hb Bonn is a novel hemoglobin mutation of the proximal α1 globin with an additional absorption maximum of the oxyhemoglobin at 668 nm. This results in pulse oximetry measurements of false low oxygen saturation due to incorrect calculations at the pulse oximetry measuring point 660 m. Hb Venusberg is a novel oxygen-affine hemoglobin mutation of the β-globin which is electrophoretically silent. Clinical symptoms include intermittent low oxygen saturation levels, cyanosis of lips and nail beds, and limited physical resistance to stress.

Conclusions

Hemoglobin anomalies, such as Hb Bonn and Hb Venusberg, should be included in differential diagnosis as potential causes of low oxygen saturation especially in case of nonspecific or conflicting findings.

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Acknowledgments

For excellent technical assistance, we express our gratitude to Mrs. M. Schmidt.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany

    Berndt Zur, Michael Ludwig & Birgit Stoffel-Wagner

Authors
  1. Berndt Zur
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  2. Michael Ludwig
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  3. Birgit Stoffel-Wagner
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Berndt Zur.

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Zur, B., Ludwig, M. & Stoffel-Wagner, B. Case–control studies of novel hemoglobin anomalies as differential diagnosis in sleep apnea syndrome. Sleep Breath 17, 557–563 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-012-0720-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-012-0720-4

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