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Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
- G6PD Deficiency is a genetic disorder which can cause hemolytic anemia when people with the disorder come into contact with drugs, food and other substances which cause oxidative stress.
- It is the most common genetic enzyme deficiency.
- G6PD is an inherited disorder with over 400 different known variants.
- Oxidative stress can cause the premature distruction of RBC's due to the lack of the enzyme reduced glutathione which G6PD helps produce.
- Drugs that are at high risk for causing hemolytic anemia in those with G6PD deficiency are:
- NSAIDS (Asprin, Tylenol, Ibuprophen)
- Quinolones
- Sulfa drugs
- Drugs metabolized known to cause blood or liver related problems or hemolysis
- Primaquine
- Nitrofurantoin
- Glyburide
- Dapsone
Also make sure that you are not G6PD deficiency if you are eating with Hannibal Lecter as Fava beans and other legumes can also cause an episode of hemolysis.
A good reference for G6PD deficiency is http://g6pddeficiency.org/index.php