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A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and hydroxychloroquine in the COVID-19 era: a mini review

Maria Elisabetta Onori1, Claudio Ricciardi Tenore1, Andrea Urbani2,3

  • 1Molecular and Genomic Diagnostics Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

Molecular Biology Reports
|February 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use in COVID-19 patients with G6PD deficiency (G6PDD) requires careful consideration. While HCQ is generally safe for G6PD deficient individuals, its role in COVID-19 patients is uncertain, posing potential risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • COVID-19 remains a global health emergency, driving research into effective treatments.
  • Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has shown in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2, prompting clinical interest.
  • Concerns exist regarding hemolysis in G6PD-deficient (G6PDD) patients treated with HCQ, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of HCQ in G6PD-deficient COVID-19 patients.
  • To address the question: "Hydroxychloroquine: Culprit or Innocent Bystander in G6PD-Deficient Patients with COVID-19?"
  • To review published cases of HCQ use in G6PDD COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of PubMed-indexed literature.
  • Inclusion of Mastroianni et al.'s patient data.
  • Analysis of case reports on HCQ and G6PDD in COVID-19.

Main Results:

  • A review of available cases suggests a complex interaction between HCQ, G6PDD, and COVID-19.
  • G6PD status influences immune responses and reactive oxygen species, relevant to COVID-19 pathogenesis.
  • Acute hemolytic anemia is a known risk in G6PDD patients.

Conclusions:

  • The definitive role of HCQ in G6PD-deficient COVID-19 patients remains unclear.
  • HCQ may not be an "innocent bystander" in this patient population.
  • Redefining HCQ's safety and efficacy profile in G6PDD patients with COVID-19 is necessary.
Keywords:
COVID-19G6PD deficiencyHemoglobinHemolytic crisisHydroxychloroquine

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