Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the most common human enzyme deficiency worldwide.  It is most prevalent in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. G6PD is an X-linked genetic disorder, which means that males are more likely to be affected than females. Females need to have 2 defective copies of the gene in order to be affected, whereas if the male inherits the defective gene, he will definitely suffer from G6PD deficiency.

What conditions are G6PD sufferers at risk for?

•     Hemolytic Anemia: a condition in which the red blood cells can no longer transport oxygen effectively throughout the body due to the denaturation of the hemoglobin molecule. An anemic response can be induced in affected individuals by certain oxidative drugs, fava beans, or infections (especially viral hepatitis, pneumonia and typhoid fever).

•     Neonatal Jaundice: A yellowish discoloration of the whites of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes caused by deposition of bile salts in these tissues. 

What are the other symptoms associated with G6PD deficiency?

•     Sudden rise of body temperature , yellow coloring of skin and mucous membranes

•     Dark yellow-orange urine

•     Pallor, fatigue, general deterioration of physical conditions

•     Heavy, fast breathing

•     Weak, rapid pulse

How is G6PD deficiency diagnosed?

A simple blood test measures the amount of the enzyme, G6PD, in red blood cells. Decreased levels indicate reduced G6PD activity. G6PD is an essential test for newborn babies and is part of Medlabs Neonatal Screening test.

Can G6PD deficiency be cured and the risks minimized?

If you notice any of the symptoms associated with G6PD deficiency, contact your physician immediately.Severe  hemolytic crisis, are usually treated by  blood transfusion. The best therapy is simply to avoid the prohibited drugs and foodstuffs. 

list of medications to avoid

1. Antibiotics:

               Sulfanilamide

               Sulfapyridine

               Sulfadimidine

               Sulfacetamide

               Glucosulfone sodium

               Nitrofurantion

               Furazolidone

               Nitrofurazone

               Dapsone

               Sulfoxone

               Sufisoxazole

2. Antimalarials:

              Primaquine

              Pamaquine

              Chloroquine

3. Anthelmintics:

              B-Naphthol

              Stibophen

              Nitidazole

4. Miscellaneous:

              Probenecid

              Thiazide Diuretics

              Phenothiazine

              Chloramphnicol

              Orinase

              Dimercaptol

              Methylene blue

              Naphylene (moth balls)

              Vitamin K

               Fava beans

5. Analgesics (Which contain aspirin or phenacetin) such as:

               Aspirin

               Bufferin

               Anacin

               Exedrin

               Empirin

               APC Tablets

               Darvon Compound

               Coricidin

Food: