What If My Baby Has 6PD Deficiency

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic disorder in which the body lacks the enzyme known as G6PD in red blood cells. This defect causes the premature destruction of red blood cells, called haemolysis

This disorder is more prevalent in males and is typically passed on from mothers to their sons even though the mother has not experienced any symptoms. The mother is a carrier of the condition.

Symptoms of G6PD Deficiency in Newborns

G6PD deficiency is commonly associated with haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are broken down at a rate exceeding the body's ability to replace them.

Symptoms of G6PD deficiency in newborns may include paleness, jaundice (yellowish appearance of skin and white part of the eyes), ark coloured urine, poor feeding, breathing difficulty, lethargy, seizure.

Diagnosis of G6PD Deficiency

G6PD levels can be determined with a specific blood test. However, this test is not routinely done. G6PD deficiency testing is performed exclusively when the doctor has reasonable grounds to suspect the patient is affected, such as the development of jaundice.

Treatment for G6PD Deficiency

Typically, treatment is not required, but substances that are known to cause harm should be avoided. Medications may be required to treat an infection if present. In some cases, transfusions may be needed.

These items should be avoided:

• Fava beans (also known as broad beans)
• Naphthalene (moth balls)

These medications should be avoided:

• Antimalarial medicines such as chloroquinine, primaquine and pamaquine
• Aspirin
• Dapsone
• Phenylhydrazine
• Nitrofurantoin
• Nalidixic acid
• Sulphonamides such as co-trimoxazole
• Quinalones such as ciprofloxacin

Always consult your doctor before using herbal or traditional medicine.

Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Get in touch with us to find out more about our Paediatrics Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital if you have any questions about G6PD deficiency in newborns.