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Maternal consumption of quinine-containing sodas may induce G6PD crises in breastfed children
S Bichali1, D Brault2, C Masserot3
1Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France.
Insights
Maternal consumption of quinine-containing tonic drinks can trigger Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency crises in breastfed infants. Avoid these beverages during breastfeeding in G6PD-prevalent populations to prevent hemolytic anemia.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common genetic disorder.
- Hemolytic events in G6PD deficiency are often triggered by pro-oxidant agents.
- Neonatal jaundice and hemolytic anemia are common presentations of G6PD deficiency.
Observation:
- Three cases of G6PD crises in breastfed infants were observed.
- The crises were linked to maternal consumption of tonic drinks containing quinine.
- Quinine was detected in breast milk, confirming transmission.
Findings:
- Maternal intake of quinine via tonic drinks can lead to G6PD crises in exclusively breastfed infants.
- The concentration of quinine in breast milk is sufficient to induce hemolytic events.
- This highlights a novel pro-oxidant trigger for G6PD deficiency.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should counsel breastfeeding mothers in G6PD-prevalent areas about avoiding quinine-containing beverages.
- This finding expands the understanding of environmental triggers for G6PD-related hemolysis.
- Preventive measures can mitigate the risk of severe neonatal complications in infants with G6PD deficiency.
Abstract:
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect often presenting with neonatal jaundice and/or hemolytic anemia. G6PD hemolytic events are linked with exposure to a pro-oxidant agent. We here report three cases of initial G6PD crises in breastfed children secondary to maternal consumption of a tonic drink which contains quinine. Quinine was found in breast milk of one of the mothers after she consumed tonic water.
Conclusion:
The amount of quinine that is transmitted through breast milk appears to be sufficient to induce G6PD crises in breastfed children. We hence recommend that consumption of quinine-containing sodas during breastfeeding should be avoided in populations with a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency. What is Known: • G6PD hemolytic events are linked with exposure to a pro-oxidant agent. • Ingestion of fava beans by a mother who was breastfeeding has been reported to induce a neonatal G6PD crisis. What is New: • Maternal consumption of tonic drink which contains quinine appears to be sufficient to induce G6PD crises in breastfed children. • Maternal consumption of quinine-containing sodas during breastfeeding should be avoided in populations with a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency.
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