Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that is present in all human cells but is particularly important to the function of red blood cells. If there is not enough G6PD (G6PD deficiency), a process called hemolysis weakens the red blood cells, causing them to break apart easily.

G6PD is an inherited condition that is most common in people from tropical Africa, the Mediterranean, and certain parts of Asia. It also occurs in black Americans.

When hemolysis happens repeatedly, it may result in the person having too few red blood cells (hemolytic anemia). Attacks of hemolytic anemia may occur in people with G6PD deficiency if they take certain medications or have infections. For some people, eating fava beans (also called broad beans) can cause an attack.

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Author	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	May 16, 2007

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Last updated:	May 16, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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