G6PD Deficiency

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD)

Save Babies Through Screening Foundation is comprised of volunteers. Some have children who were helped by newborn screening, and some have children who have died, or suffered brain damage. For many of the Foundation's volunteers, joy comes from knowing that your child was saved. Many hours of hard work have been done to help children, maybe even yours. Please let us hear from you.

What is it?
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD) is the most common genetic enzyme deficiency, occurring most often in tropical and subtropical Asia, tropical Africa, areas of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and New Guinea. It can cause premature destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) when an affected individual is exposed to certain medications, chemicals, foods, or pollen. Severity of the condition is extremely variable.

Inheritance and Frequency

Signs & Symptoms

Long Term Effects
With early diagnosis and avoidance of pathogens, individuals lead normal, healthy lives.

Treatment
Treatment involves restricting exposure to pathogens that cause a reaction.

History

Screening For
Visit the "What Does Your State Screen For Page" to find out what your state screens for in its newborn screening test.

Supplemental Screening
If you live in a state that does not perform screening on its newborns for all detectable disorders, there are laboratories that will provide the screening for this to you no matter what state you live in. For more information about supplemental screening, visit our supplemental screening page. Also visit our frequently asked questions page for more information on newborn screening.

Other Sites of Reference

Support Groups

If you know of any G6PD related websites, please contact the webmaster to submit the link. Thank you for your help.

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Revised 4/19/2006