Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that exists in red blood cells, where it meets protective functions. When a person with deficiency of this enzyme eats or is exposed to oxidizing agents such as aspirin or beans or infection, red blood cells alter their shape, becoming more fragile as it flows through the small blood vessels of the body and breaking more easily , causing a picture of hemolytic anemia. G6PD deficiency is an inherited disease, more common in blacks, autosomal X-linked recessive, which means that predominates in males and that, although cases in women, it is normal that the mother transmit, without autism. The disease occurs usually in the first weeks of life due to low levels of natural antioxidants (like vitamin E) capable of neutralizing any oxidative stimulus. After 48 hours of contact with the trigger or trigger, it causes a hemolytic anemia, malaise, fatigue, generalized pallor, tachycardia and respiratory distress. The urine becomes dark in pigment degradation of hemoglobin and the skin turns yellow. If the patient remains in contact with the stimulus, the deficit can be fatal. '
Therefore, every physician should know what can and can not be administered to a patient with these characteristics. Moreover, if the patient is difficult history, as occurs during general anesthesia. So today I bring you a review on the topic, which you can download here .
