Glucose – 6 – phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency)
What is glucose – 6 – phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency)?
G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition in which the body does not have enough G6PD, a protein which helps the red blood cells function normally. When the affected individuals are exposed to certain food, drugs, chemicals, or even infection, their red blood cells can be destroyed, causing anemia and so a lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
Common triggers include
- certain food (fava beans)
- antibiotics (especially sulfa-containing)
- anti-malaria drugs
- moth balls/ crystals
- infections (bacterial or viral)
What are the symptoms of G6PD deficiency?
Some affected people may have no symptoms at all. In more serious cases, the patients would have symptoms of severe acute anemia: paleness/ yellowing of the skin and eye-white, shortness of breath, rapid heart-beat, feeling tired, dark urine, and so on.
How to test for G6PD deficiency?
Different blood tests and genetic test can help confirmation or exclusion of the condition.
What is the treatment for G6PD deficiency?
This condition cannot be cured. However, with the proper precautions, G6PD should not keep your child from living a healthy, active life.
- Avoidance of the food, drugs or chemicals that cause the red blood cell breakdown.
- Vaccination against some common viruses/ bacteria may prevent infection-induced attacks.