Dr.Mostaqilla
23-02-2008, 07:40 AM
Introduction
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 and adapt to stress or oxygen radicals. In other words the deficiency of this enzyme increases the vulnerability of erythrocytes (RBCs) to oxidative stress. This deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia, usually after exposure to certain medications, foods, or even infections.
How do we get it?
The abnormal gene responsible for this inherited enzyme deficiency is located on the X-chromosome. Therefore, the illnesses associated with G6PD deficiency occur more frequently in males than females, since males only have one X-chromosome. There are different degress of G6PD deficiency, which vary according to the magnitude of the missing enzyme. One can get a G6PD enzyme test to know what is the magnitude of his/her deficiency.
G6PD deficiency occurs more frequently in Middle Eastern people (KUWAIT, more than 30% of Kuwaiti have G6PD deficiency and most of them don't know)
How is G6PD deficiency diagnosed?
Patients with G6PD deficiency and hemolytic anemia can develop jaundice (yellowing of the eyes). Sometimes jaundice can occur in newborn babies who are G6PD deficient.
The diagnosis is made by blood testing which can demonstrate the inadequate levels of the G6PD enzyme activity by blood testing.
Will this deficiency change or effect ones life?
Not much, but a person diagnosed with G6PD deficiency will be banned from fava beans and a number of medication like Aspirin and Ascorbic acid (vitamin C). On the other hand, G6PD deficiency patients get immune to a lot of disorders and diseases like Malaria which is cause by a parasite.
Thank you for your time.. :aa_smile:
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 and adapt to stress or oxygen radicals. In other words the deficiency of this enzyme increases the vulnerability of erythrocytes (RBCs) to oxidative stress. This deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia, usually after exposure to certain medications, foods, or even infections.
How do we get it?
The abnormal gene responsible for this inherited enzyme deficiency is located on the X-chromosome. Therefore, the illnesses associated with G6PD deficiency occur more frequently in males than females, since males only have one X-chromosome. There are different degress of G6PD deficiency, which vary according to the magnitude of the missing enzyme. One can get a G6PD enzyme test to know what is the magnitude of his/her deficiency.
G6PD deficiency occurs more frequently in Middle Eastern people (KUWAIT, more than 30% of Kuwaiti have G6PD deficiency and most of them don't know)
How is G6PD deficiency diagnosed?
Patients with G6PD deficiency and hemolytic anemia can develop jaundice (yellowing of the eyes). Sometimes jaundice can occur in newborn babies who are G6PD deficient.
The diagnosis is made by blood testing which can demonstrate the inadequate levels of the G6PD enzyme activity by blood testing.
Will this deficiency change or effect ones life?
Not much, but a person diagnosed with G6PD deficiency will be banned from fava beans and a number of medication like Aspirin and Ascorbic acid (vitamin C). On the other hand, G6PD deficiency patients get immune to a lot of disorders and diseases like Malaria which is cause by a parasite.
Thank you for your time.. :aa_smile: