G6PD Deficiency in General

What is G6PD Deficiency?

G6PD deficiency or Favism is the most common inborn metabolic disorder. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase or G6PD in the blood is a very important protein that regulates various biochemical reactions in the body. The genitic abnormality that results in an inadequate amount of G6PD in the blood is what we called G6PD deficiency.

Here are the symptoms of G6PD Deficiency:

• rapid heart rate

• shortness of breath

• Dark or yellow orange urine

• fever

• fatigue

• dizziness

• paleness

• jaundice or yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

There are certain foods that individuals with G6PD deficiency should avoid such as red wine, all kinds of beans, blueberries, soya products, tonic water and camphor. Also avoid come in close contact with mothballs (naphthalene).

What complications or problems can G6PD cause?

Most persons positive with G6PD deficiency are asymptomatic (not showing any symptoms). Symptomatic patients can present with neonatal jaundice and acute hemolytic anemia.

 G6PD is responsible for keeping the red blood cell healthy to function properly without enough of it red blood cells will breakdown prematurely and the early destruction of red blood cell is called hemolysis and it can eventually lead to Hemolytic Anemia.

Is G6PD deficiency curable?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for G6PD deficiency, and it is a lifelong condition. However, most people with G6PD deficiency have a completely normal life as long as they avoid the triggers.

It is important to detect early if your child has G6PD deficiency. This can be detected through Newborn Screening which is done 24 hours after the delivery of the newborn child.

I am also a mother and I thanked God my children were both negative to G6PD deficiency. To the parents who have children with G6PD deficiency I hope you can cope up with the said deficiency. Always check and consult your doctor about the condition of your children.