G6PD Deficiency (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency)

 

What is G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase)?

 

It is an enzyme found throughout the body.  This enzyme works by speeding up the chemical change needed so sugar can be used for energy in the body.

 

What does G6PD have to do with blood?

 

This enzyme is found in red blood cells.  Red blood cells contain hemoglobin.  Hemoglobin is needed to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.  When your child takes certain medicines or has a viral illness, strong compounds may build up in the blood.  These strong compounds may damage hemoglobin.  G6PD works to get rid of these strong compounds.  When hemoglobin is damaged, it cannot carry oxygen as well.  It may also cause the red blood cells to break up as they go through tiny blood vessels.  At these times, your child may become anemic because there are fewer red blood cells.  The anemia can happen very quickly.

 

How can I tell if my child is anemic?

 

Signs of anemia are:

 

• Pale skin, lips, nailbeds
• Tired
• Lacks energy to do the things he or she normally does in a day
• Jaundiced (yellow color to the skin and whites of the eyes)

 

If your child shows signs of anemia, you should see a doctor right away.  They may draw some blood and do a test to see if your child is anemic.

 

What do I need to know?

 

You need to be aware of the types of things that result in strong compounds building up in the blood.  This way, your child may avoid having hemoglobin damaged and prevent red blood cells from breaking up in tiny blood vessels.

 

• Medicine is a common reason that strong compounds build up in the blood.  Some of these medicines are used rarely, others are used more often.

 

• Medicines to avoid when your child has G6PD deficiency:

 

Antimalarial medicines	Acetanilid
Doxorubicin	Furazolidone
Methylene Blue	Nalidixic Acid
Niridazole	Nitrofurantoin
Phenazopyridine	Primaquine
Sulfamethoxazole

 

• There are also other chemicals used around your house, and even some foods that may be harmful for these children.

 

Household products

• Mothballs (Naphthalene)

It is a good idea never to have mothballs in your home.  Mothballs are very harmful to these children if they suck on them, swallow them, or even smell them for a prolonged length of time.

 

Foods

• Fava Beans

Eating Fava beans may be most harmful to people of Mediterranean descent.

 

How did my child get this?

 

G6PD deficiency is inherited.  This means it is passed along from a parent to a child.  There is no known way to prevent it.  It is linked to the X chromosome, and therefore it affects males more often than females.  This deficiency will appear in certain racial and ethnic groups more often.  It is often found in children whose ancestors came from places where malaria was common.  This includes the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Africa.  It is thought that people with G6PD deficiency may have some protection against malaria.  The degree of the deficiency does differ among groups.  The kind found in blacks is often less severe than the kinds found in others.

 

What should be done?

 

G6PD may not be a problem for your child.  It does not cause harm as long as your child avoids exposure to medicines and other things that might damage red blood cells.  When your child has this problem, certain medicines must not by used.

• Your child may be able to use small amounts of the medicines listed above.
• If a larger dose of the medicine is needed, your child must be followed closely by a doctor.
• Always tell your child’s doctor that your child has G6PD.

 

How will I know my child is G6PD deficient?

 

The only way to find out is by a blood test.  A small amount of the blood is taken from your child.  This is done by a finger poke or a small needle placed into a vein in the arm.  The blood sample is then sent to a lab to be tested.

 

Call your child’s doctor, nurse or clinic if

• You have any questions or concerns.
• Your child has signs of anemia

 

Doctor: ____________________________ Phone: ____________________

Nurse:  ____________________________ Phone: ____________________

Clinic:  ____________________________ Phone: ____________________

 

 

This teaching sheet is provided to inform you of general health topics and is not to be considered medical advice.  Specific questions that you have about this information should be directed to your personal doctor.

 

Adapted with permission from: Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/19/2009

Copyright © 05/20/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6422

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