Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

G6PD or Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency is a medical condition that causes the body to produce less than required amounts of the enzyme Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase or G6PD. G6PD is an enzyme that plays a vital role in metabolism. G6PD deficiency is caused by a mutation in the G6PD gene which reduces production of the enzyme or modifies its structure. G6PD deficiency does not show symptoms unless certain trigger factors are present. These triggers usually include fava beans, low oxygen saturation in blood, certain medications, etc. In response to these triggers, red blood cells or RBCs are haemolysed and destroyed, giving rise to symptoms of anemia. This condition is called hemolytic anemia and has a greater risk of developing in people with G6PD deficiency.

G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition which is inherited by an X-linked recessive inheritance. Hence males are at a greater risk for G6PD deficiency and hemolytic anemia.

G6PD is a genetic condition and cannot be cured. It can only be managed & prevented from turning into full blown hemolytic anemia. This is done by avoiding the trigger factors like fava beans, certain medications, low blood oxygen saturation due to heavy exercise, etc. If these triggers are avoided, most people with G6PD deficiency do not develop any symptoms and lead a completely normal life. If the deficiency causes hemolytic anemia to have developed, then the patient needs to undergo vigorous treatment including oxygen therapy, or blood transfusion if required.

G6PD deficiency does not show any symptoms and trigger factors that cause hemolytic anemia. If it turns to hemolytic anemia, symptoms appear including pale skin, jaundice, fatigue, swollen spleen, low red blood cell count, etc. Severe deficiency can cause chronic hemolytic anemia. Treatment is required in these cases. Testing and treatment is required if a blood relative has been diagnosed with hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency.

Treatment is not required if the G6PD deficiency does not develop into complete hemolytic anemia and shows its symptoms. In most cases, G6PD deficiency itself shows no symptoms and affected people live out their lives without any significant ill effects.

No side effects are associated with treatment for G6PD deficiency.

Post treatment guidelines involve avoiding the triggers that cause hemolytic anemia to develop.

G6PD deficiency is incurable. However, symptoms do not develop unless exposed to triggers. Proper treatment for hemolytic anemia can lead its symptoms to subside in a few days.

Most of the treatment procedure involves avoiding triggers for hemolytic anemia, Symptoms of hemolytic anemia require treatment and the price depends on the extent of the conditions.

Results of the treatment are not permanent and symptoms may recur with recurrence of the triggers.

No alternative treatments for G6PD deficiency exists.