GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE (G6PD) DEFICIENCY AND ITS DANGER TO HUMAN HEALTH

Abstract

This condition affects only those who have a deficiency in the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), not everyone.Individuals infected from birth may not exhibit symptoms of this congenital condition until several years later. The sickness symptoms manifest when the patient consumes peas, regardless of whether they are green, cooked, or prepared in any other way. Those who come into contact with a field of peas or breathe in the pollen from its flowers can contract the disease. Several instances arose in the infant subsequent to his mother's consumption of peas, resulting in the transmission of the peas' effects through breast milk to the child. It is important to note that consuming falafel can be hazardous for these individuals, as it typically contains a mixture of peas and chickpeas.Genetic inheritance causes the disease to be prevalent in various countries such as the Americas, the Middle East, Greece, China, and other regions. However, it is uncommon in northern European countries. The bacillus affects the erythrocyte wall, causing it to weaken due to the absence of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Consequently, the erythrocyte ruptures, leading to severe anaemia in the child. Symptoms of this condition include pallor (anaemia) and jaundice (resulting from the breakdown of blood cells). A clinical examination of the patient's urine reveals a red color due to the presence of blood. When blood cells break down rapidly within a day, a child may experience dizziness, vomiting, weakness, and a pale and yellowish complexion. Upon closer examination, two colours emerge: the yellowish hue of jaundice, resulting from an increase in bile due to the breakdown of blood cells and their deficiency in the bloodstream. Alternatively, the breakdown of blood cells may occur gradually over a period of 4 to 5 days. In this case, the child does not experience sudden weakness but rather shows signs of fatigue during play, loss of appetite, and localised pain in certain areas of the body. In both scenarios, hospitalisation is necessary for the patient to receive a blood transfusion to replenish the lost blood due to injury. It is crucial not to underestimate the severity of the condition, as failure to promptly treat a severe case may result in death. Note that consuming peas alone does not adversely affect individuals with this enzyme deficiency. However, in these individuals, there is a specific set of medications that can potentially lead to hemolysis and breakdown.