Overview

Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency) is an enzymopathy of red blood cells in humans. It is an X-linked, hereditary genetic defect, prevalent in up to 400 million people worldwide mainly in about 10% of African-Americans as well as to a lower frequency in the Mediterranean people.

G6PD is an enzyme necessary for the production of antioxidants which protect red blood cells from oxidative stressors. In case of G6PD deficiency red blood cells can be damaged by oxidative stresses (stressors?) from certain drugs, metabolic conditions (diabetic ketoacidosis, metabolic acidosis), infections, hypothermia, lawsone (Henna), ingestion of fava beans or stress related to surgical interventions, resulting in haemolysis.