Overview

G6PD deficiency is a prevalent inherited condition that primarily affects the male population. According to studies, around 400–500 million people across the world become victims of this disorder. People from sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia regions are predominantly more affected by G6PD. India explicitly shows the subtle art of medication techniques and traditional methods, making many treatments possible. In this article, we will learn about treating G6PD deficiency in India.

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What Is G6PD Deficiency?

G6PD is a type of genetic disorder that has mostly been seen in the male population. This condition occurs when your body lacks enough glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzymes. G6PD is vital for erythrocytes (red blood cells) to function and protect them from harmful elements. Sometimes, G6PD comes with various life-threatening conditions, such as hemolytic anemia.

G6PD stands for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. It is an enzyme that protects red blood cells from harmful elements. Sometimes, the gene that contains G6PD enzymes changes or mutates, which merely depletes the ability of G6PD enzymes, causing them to be unable to can’t protect red blood cells.

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What Are The Symptoms Of G6PD Deficiency?

If you have G6PD deficiency, you may not be able to identify the symptoms instantly. Moreover, G6PD leads to the development of some severe medical conditions, such as hemolytic anemia in adults and jaundice in newborns.

Several other symptoms also show up in people with the actively occurring condition of hemolysis, which generally causes hemolytic episodes, such as:

• Dark-colored pee
• Fatigue
• Being more pale than usual
• Having a rapid heart rate
• Feeling short of breath
• Having an enlarged spleen
• Pain in abdomen

What Are The Causes Of G6PD Deficiency?

The most vital cause of G6PD deficiency is the variation in the G6PD gene; such genes are responsible for the production of enzymes called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. These enzymes are responsible for the protection of red blood cells from various harmful molecules called radicals.

It prevents reactive oxygen species from intensifying the toxic levels within the red blood cell. G6PD gene variation disrupts the functioning of G6PD enzymes. As a result, reactive oxygen species can build up and cause damage to red blood cells.

Various causes contribute to the rise of G6PD deficiency:

Infections: Various viral and bacterial infections trigger genetic abnormalities, causing deficiency of the G6PD enzyme and leading to uncontrolled premature hemolysis (dealth) of RBCs.

Certain Drugs: Some certain drugs and medications trigger the destruction of red blood cells, such as,

• Aspirin (high doses)
• Sulfa drugs
• Quinidine
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Antimalarial medicines such as quinine
• Antibiotics such as quinolones and nitrofurantoin

Food Supplements: Food supplements like fava beans can sometimes impede the functioning of G6PD enzymes.

Note: Some research shows that people with a G6PD variant may be partially protected against malaria, which is spread by a specific type of mosquito. A decreased functional glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase makes this parasite’s invasion of red blood cells more difficult. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is most common in malaria-endemic areas.

What Are The G6PD Deficiency Treatment In India?

Generally, mild G6PD deficiency doesn’t require any treatment, and most people recover within a few weeks without any treatment. However, it is important to note the triggers during the assessment and avoid them in future. Treatment mainly involves supplements or medicines to avoid the triggering.

Nevertheless, this condition can become life-threatening, such as hemolytic anemia; in this case, you may need a blood transfusion. Under worst conditions, a small amount of red blood cell destruction occurs, called “chronic hemolysis.” In this condition, your healthcare provider recommends a medication called folic acid – a vitamin supplement that boosts the bone marrow to increase red blood cells.

Typically, in the case of a newborn baby, your healthcare professional suggests some therapies, such as phototherapy (a natural or artificial light treatment). In severe cases, your baby may need to undergo an exchange transfusion, in which a professional healthcare provider replaces the unhealthy blood with healthy blood.

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What To Avoid?

To prevent the symptoms of G6PD deficiency, a child with G6PD should avoid the following triggers:

Antibiotics

• Sulphonamides (check with your doctor)
• Co-trimoxazole (Bactrim, Septrin)
• Dapsone
• Chloramphenicol
• Nitrofurantoin
• Nalidixic acid

Antimalarials

• Chloroquine
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Primaquine
• Quinine
• Mepacrine

Chemicals

• Mothballs (naphthalene)
• Methylene blue

Foods

• Fava beans (also called broad beans)

Other drugs

• Sulphasalazine
• Methyldopa
• Large doses of vitamin C
• Hydralazine
• Procainamide
• Quinidine
• Some anti-cancer drugs

What Are The Diagnostics Used For G6PD Deficiency?

Before starting the treatment, your healthcare professional may recommend some diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions. Such tests help identify the condition of your blood cells. These tests include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): A complete blood count is used to measure the different constituents of blood, which is very helpful in identifying the different factors of the blood.

• Bilirubin levels: This test measures the level of bilirubin in your body.

• Reticulocyte count: This blood test examines your young blood cells to determine whether or not your bone marrow is producing enough red blood cells.

• Serum aminotransferases: This test helps in detecting the enzymes in your liver.

• Peripheral blood smear: It involves identifying the changes in the number, type, shape, and size of blood cells.

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FAQs Related To G6PD Deficiency Treatment In India

Q: What is the most effective treatment for G6PD deficiency?

A: Limiting certain drugs and removing the triggers are the most popular methods of treatment for G6PD deficiency. Nevertheless, children with severe anemia may need treatment in the hospital to get oxygen and fluids or a blood transfusion.

Q: Which drug is safe for G6PD deficiency?

A: Enough amounts of paracetamol and NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are safe for children with G6PD deficiency.

Q: What are the best vitamins for G6PD?

A: In patients with G6PD deficiency, low-moderate intravenous vitamin C may be the treatment of choice for drug-induced hemolysis. This can increase the redox capacity reserve in the blood rather than red blood cells.

Q: Is G6PD deficiency harmful?

A: G6PD is very common, or it may be a lifelong genetic disorder. Nevertheless, various clinicians recommend avoiding triggers as they may cause some life-threatening conditions, such as hemolytic anemia.

Q: Does G6PD improve with age?

A: According to various research and observations, the frequency of G6PD deficiency remains consistent throughout the age range of 17–94 years in both men and women.

Q: List of antibiotics that are safe in G6PD deficiency.

A: Various antibiotics prevent the triggers of G6PD deficiency, including:

• Nitrofurantoin
• Dapsone
• Chloramphenicol
• Sulphonamides (as prescribed by a clinician)
• Co-trimoxazole (Bactrim, Septrin)
• Nalidixic acid

Choose GoMedii For The Best And Most Affordable G6PD Deficiency Treatment In India

If you want to know the best G6PD deficiency treatment in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.

We have tie-ups with one of India’s most reputed hospitals to get you the best treatment at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail yourself of our packages, you can contact us on our website or at +91 9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.

Feel free to drop your queries through this form. Our team of experts will contact you!

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