Abnormal Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Level In Blood C4703663
An abnormal level of G6PD enzyme in the blood. This genetic condition affects red blood cells and is more common in certain populations. Management involves avoiding certain medications and foods that can trigger complications.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- D64.9
- ICD-11
- 3A00.0
- Body system
- hematologic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Acute hemolytic crisis
Sudden, severe breakdown of red blood cells that can lead to life-threatening anemia, kidney failure, and shock.
EMERGENCY: Seek immediate medical care if experiencing severe pain, fever, confusion, or decreased urination.
Fatigue and weakness
(constitutional)Persistent feeling of tiredness and lack of energy due to hemolytic anemia caused by G6PD deficiency.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Pale skin and mucous membranes
(hematologic)Noticeable paleness of the skin, lips, and inner eyelids due to reduced red blood cell count from hemolysis.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Dark urine
(renal)Urine appears dark brown, red, or cola-colored due to the presence of hemoglobin from broken red blood cells.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Jaundice
(dermatologic)Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by elevated bilirubin from red blood cell breakdown.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Rapid heart rate
(cardiovascular)Elevated heart rate (tachycardia) as the heart works harder to compensate for reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Shortness of breath
(respiratory)Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath, especially during physical activity, due to anemia.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Dizziness and lightheadedness
(neurologic)Feeling faint or unsteady due to reduced blood oxygen levels from hemolytic anemia.
Frequency: 25-35% of patients
Abdominal or back pain
(gastrointestinal)Pain in the abdomen or lower back during acute hemolytic episodes due to red blood cell destruction.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Enlarged spleen
(hematologic)Splenomegaly caused by the spleen working to filter out damaged red blood cells.
Frequency: 5-10% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Behavioral and nutritional therapy
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Folic acid supplementation
Folic acid is commonly prescribed to support red blood cell production in patients with G6PD deficiency, as it aids in the synthesis of new blood cells following hemolytic episodes. This supplementation helps compensate for increased erythropoiesis demands during recovery from hemolysis.
Oxidant trigger avoidance
Avoidance of known oxidant triggers including certain medications (sulfonamides, antimalarials, nitrofurantoin), fava beans, and industrial chemicals that can precipitate hemolytic episodes. Patient education on reading medication labels and food ingredients is essential for preventing acute hemolytic crises.
Additional treatment options
Iron chelation therapy (if iron overload)
In cases where repeated hemolysis or transfusion therapy has led to iron overload, iron chelation therapy may be necessary to prevent organ damage. This treatment requires careful monitoring of iron levels and organ function.
medicationRegular hematological monitoring
Scheduled blood tests to monitor hemoglobin levels, reticulocyte counts, and bilirubin levels help track disease activity and response to interventions. This allows for early detection of hemolytic episodes and timely treatment adjustments.
monitoringBlood transfusion (severe cases)
In cases of severe acute hemolysis resulting in significant anemia, packed red blood cell transfusion may be necessary to restore oxygen-carrying capacity. This intervention is reserved for life-threatening situations with hemoglobin levels typically below 7-8 g/dL.
procedureWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Level In Blood C4703663?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
World Health Organization. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: WHO position statement. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
American Society of Hematology. Clinical practice guidelines for G6PD deficiency. Blood. 2022;139(10):1454-1466.
Luzzatto L, Nannelli C, Notaro R. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2020;34(2):307-322.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. G6PD deficiency: clinical information and testing guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-24.
Cappellini MD, Fiorelli G. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Lancet. 2008;371(9606):64-74.
Howes RE, Piel FB, Patil AP, et al. G6PD deficiency prevalence and estimates of affected populations in malaria endemic countries: a geostatistical model-based map. PLoS Med. 2012;9(11):e1001339.
Baird JK, Krisin M, Barcus MJ, et al. Clinical trial of primaquine regimens for G6PD deficiency in Indonesia. J Infect Dis. 2018;217(12):1897-1904.
International Council for Standardization in Haematology. ICSH recommendations for the laboratory diagnosis of G6PD deficiency. Int J Lab Hematol. 2019;41(4):467-476.
Medication Comparisons
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View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy