Anaemia due to a congenital deficiency of a molecule called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which produces the destruction of red blood cells.
The triggering cause may be an infection, severe stress, foods such as broad beans and some medications (aspirin, antiinflammatory drugs, etc.).
Generally, it doesn't produce any symptoms, although anaemia can manifest with paleness, weakness and dizziness. Sometimes, fever and dark urine may also be associated with it.
The diagnosis is obtained through the patient's clinical questioning, physical examination, blood and urine tests (peripheral blood smear test and cross-matching tests).
Treatment is based on stopping the triggering cause if it is known. Sometimes, transfusions may be required and, if infection signs are present, antibiotics will be added.
- Glader B. Hereditary hemolytic anemias due to red blood cell enzyme disorders. In: Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, 13th edition, Greer JP, Arber D, Glader B, et al (Eds), Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia 2014. p.728.
- Cappellini MD, Fiorelli G. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Lancet 2008; 371:64.
- Nkhoma ET, Poole C, Vannappagari V, et al. The global prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2009; 42:267.
- Lucio Luzzatto. Anemias hemolíticas y anemia consecutiva a hemorragia aguda. Anomalías del metabolismo de oxidación-reducción. Deficiencia de glucosa-6-fosfato deshidrogenasa (G6PD). Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 129. Pág: 654:657.
