SUMMARY
Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common human enzyme deficiency in the
world. During G6PD deficiency, the red cells are unable to regenerate reduced nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate
(NADPH), a reaction that is normally catalyzed by the G6PD enzyme.
Since the X chromosome carries the gene for G6PD enzyme, this deficiency mostly affects the males.
The two major conditions associated with G6PD deficiency are hemolytic anaemias and neonatal jaundice, which may
result in neurological complications and death. Screening and detection of G6PD deficiency helps in reducing such
episodes, through appropriate selection of treatment, patient counselling and abstinence from disease precipitating
drugs such as anti malarials and other agents.