G6PD deficiency

Introduction

G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency describes a shortage of an enzyme (chemical) found in the red blood cells. It is very common in certain racial groups, and scientists think there are about 400 million people in the world with G6PD deficiency.
G6PD deficiency does not go away and is a lifelong condition. It is an inherited disease (i.e. passed on from previous generations). You cannot catch it by being in contact with someone else.

It is more common in males and is usually passed on to male children from their mother, even though she has had no symptoms herself. The mother is described as being a carrier of the condition. Your doctor can explain the way in which it is inherited and the tests that can be done to check for the condition.

Most people with G6PD deficiency have a completely normal life as long as they avoid certain foods and drugs. Some people with the condition will get anaemia. Anaemia can make children look pale and have less energy. This may happen after taking one of the drugs or eating the foods listed below, or during an illness such as an infection. Some babies with G6PD deficiency may have jaundice for longer than usual in the first month of life. Jaundice makes the skin look yellow because of the breakdown of red blood cells.

Signs and symptoms

If your child has G6PD deficiency, they should be checked by a doctor whenever any of the following symptoms develop:

• pale skin (pallor)
• persistent and/or severe tiredness
• dark coloured urine (wee)
• jaundice (yellow skin or eyes).

If you are worried or concerned please contact:

Care at home

In particular your child should avoid the foods, chemicals drugs and on this list:

Particular drugs that can cause haemolysis

(Additional drugs may be added to this list as increasing evidence emerges – always ensure the current British National Formulary is consulted before a prescription is dispensed for a patient with G6PD deficiency)

Category of drug: Antimalariels

Category of drug: Analgesics/antipyretic

†Acceptable up to a dose of at least 1 g daily in most G6PD-deficient individuals.

Category of drug: Antibacterials

‡Including ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin and ofloxacin

Category of drug: Other

*Not on UK market.

Example of card template to be carried by a patient with G6PD deficiency from BSH guidelines website: http://b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines

Laboratory diagnosis of G6PD deficiency. A British Society for Haematology Guideline on behalf of David Roper, Mark Layton, David Rees, Chris Lambert, Tom Vulliamy, Barbara De la Salle, Carol D’Souza, the British Society for Haematology First published: 28 January 2020

Key things to remember

G6PD is an inherited condition and cannot be spread from one person to another.
Most people with G6PD deficiency have a completely normal life as long as they avoid certain foods and drugs.

Some people with the condition will get anaemia or jaundice, especially after taking medicine or eating food they should avoid, or after an infection.

Give copies of this factsheet to other people who care for your child (e.g. school, nursery, crèche, babysitters) and take it with you when you visit your GP.

Useful contacts