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Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in adults
1Department of Health, THQ Hospital, Dir (upper). drmonir99@yahoo.com
Insights
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common cause of anemia in adults. Early recognition and avoiding certain medications can prevent serious hemolytic complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Hematology
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common inherited enzyme disorder.
- Anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly in certain populations.
- Identifying the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in anemic patients is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of G6PD deficiency in adult patients presenting with anemia.
- To investigate the association between G6PD deficiency and anemia.
Main Methods:
- A case-review of 18 months of admission data from District Headquarter Hospital Batkhela.
- Anemia defined by WHO criteria (hemoglobin < 11.3 gm%).
- G6PD activity measured using the Sigma dye decolorisation method; patients >13 years included.
Main Results:
- Out of 3600 admitted patients, 1440 were anemic, and 49 were G6PD deficient.
- The frequency of G6PD deficiency in anemic patients was 3.4%; overall frequency was 1.36%.
- Males showed 3% and females 6% G6PD deficiency; antimalarials and sulfonamides were common triggers for hemolysis, leading to anemia and jaundice.
Conclusions:
- G6PD deficiency is a significant cause of anemia, often triggered by medications.
- Early diagnosis and judicious use of drugs can prevent severe hemolytic complications.
- Awareness of G6PD deficiency is essential for healthcare providers managing anemic patients.
Objective:
To determine the frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in adults presented with anemia.
Design:
Case-review.
Place And Duration Of Study:
District Headquarter Hospital Batkhela, Malakand Agency, from March 1999 to August 2000.
Subjects And Methods:
Eighteen months admission data was reviewed for G6PD deficiency as a cause of anemia. Anemia was defined by world health organization (WHO) criteria as haemoglobin less than 11.3 gm%. G6PD activity was measured by Sigma dye decolorisation method. All patients were screened for complications of hemolysis and its possible cause. Patients with more than 13 years of age were included in the study.
Results:
Out of 3600 patients admitted, 1440 were found anaemic and 49 as G6PD deficient. So the frequency of G6PD deficiency in anaemic patients was 3.4% and the overall frequency is 1.36%. G6PD deficiency among males and females was three and six percent respectively. Antimalarials and antibiotics containing sulphonamide group were the most common precipitating factors for hemolysis. Anemia and jaundice were the most common presentations while malaria was the most common associated disease. Acute renal failure was the most severe complication occurring in five patients with two deaths.
Conclusion:
G6PD deficiency is a fairly common cause of anemia with medicine as common precipitating factor for hemolysis. Such complications can be avoided with early recognition of the disease and avoiding indiscriminate use of medicine.
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