G6PD/GLUCOSE 6 PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY

G6PD/GLUCOSE 6 PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY

G6PD is a Red Blood Cell (RBC) enzyme that acts as an initial catalyst in glycolysis (breakdown of glucose). G6PD is an X linked enzymopathy that directly affects the erythrocytes’ (RBCs) ability to resist oxidative damage. Consequently, when G6PD is reduced, there is a disease in glucose use by the RBCs. If  RBCs are exposed to oxidative foods and drugs,the metabolic needs of RBCs increase with older RBCs being damaged leading to haemolysis (breakdown of RBCs).

G6PD is common among Africans, African Americans, Mediterraneans and Jews.

Haemolytic crisis is triggered by viral and bacterial infections.

 

IF ONE PARENT IS A CARRIER

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

·        When the RBCs can no longer transport oxygen effectively throughout the body; a condition called haemolytic anaemia arises

·        Neonatal jaundice

·        Abdominal and back pain

·        Dizziness

·        Headache

·        Dyspnoea and palpitation

·        Sudden rise of body temperature and yellow colouring of skin and mucous membrane

·        Dark yellow-orange urine

·        Pallor, fatigue

·        General deterioration of physical condition

·        Heavy, fast breathing

·        Weak rapid pulse

DRUGS TO AVOID

MEDICATIONS

·        Ascorbic acid, isobutyl nitrite, chloramphenicol, isoniazid, choloquine, sodium sulfate, ciprofloxacin, naphthalene

·        Dapsone, oxidase urate, dopamine

·        Pacetamol, procainamide, probenecid, phenylbutazone, quinine, phenytoin

FOODS TO AVOID

FOODS TO AVOID EATING

·        All legumes

·        Blue berries

·        Soya products

·        Red wine

·        Soda water

·        Farm beans

MANAGEMENT

In severe cases the following measures will be initiated in the hospital;

·        Nasal oxygen administration

·        Physiotherapy

·        Bed rest

·        Folic acid

·        Blood transfusion

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