Inherited disorders: G6PD deficiency
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that protects red blood cells from damage. In patients with an inherited G6PD deficiency, certain triggers can cause an acute illness because red blood cells to haemolyse, potentially resulting in 'acute haemolytic anaemia'. Some of the common triggers are summarised below. The main food that can trigger an acute attack is broad beans.
When a haemolytic episode occurs, then symptoms may include some or all of the following:
The duration of symptoms arising from an acute attack depend on its severity. However, the process of erythropoiesis, by which the body produces new red blood cells, is rapid and newly synthesised cells are unaffected once the trigger has gone away. People from certain parts of the world are more likely to suffer from G6PD deficiency, such as those who are of African, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean descent. It is also more common in men.
The duration of symptoms arising from an acute attack depend on its severity. However, the process of erythropoiesis, by which the body produces new red blood cells, is rapid and newly synthesised cells are unaffected once the trigger has gone away. People from certain parts of the world are more likely to suffer from G6PD deficiency, such as those who are of African, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean descent. It is also more common in men.
Medicines and G6PD deficiency
The genetic make-up of the individual patient with G6PD deficiency affects whether a specific medicine causes an acute episode or not, and the severity of it. So while one sufferer may tolerate a particular medicine, another may react to it.The risk of medicines provoking haemolytic anaemia, and the severity of attacks, is usually dose-dependent.
You can always check which medicines are regarded as unsafe by looking in the G6PD deficiency section of the BNF. The G6PD Deficiency Association website or App may help you further.