G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition in which the body doesn't have enough of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD, which helps red blood cells (RBCs) function normally. This deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia, usually after exposure to certain medications, foods, or even infections. Most people with G6PD deficiency don't have any symptoms, while others develop symptoms of anemia only after RBCs have been destroyed, a condition called hemolysis. In these cases, the symptoms disappear once the cause, or trigger, is removed. In rare cases, G6PD deficiency leads to chronic anemia.
Source
Causes
G6PD deficiency occurs when a person is missing or does not have enough of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. This enzyme helps red blood cells work properly.
Red blood cell destruction can be triggered by infections, severe stress, foods (such as fava beans), and certain drugs, including:
- Antimalarial drugs
- Aspirin
- Nitrofurantoin
- Quinidine
- Sulfa drugs
Symptoms
Symptoms of G6PD deficiency can include:
- rapid heart rate
- shortness of breath
- urine that is dark or yellow-orange
- fever
- dizziness
- jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
