Which triggers can precipitate hemolysis in G6PD deficiency?

Which triggers can precipitate hemolysis in G6PD deficiency?

• A. Infection and illness
• B. Fava beans
• C. Sulfa drugs
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

In G6PD deficiency, red blood cells lack a robust ability to neutralize oxidative stress because they can’t generate enough NADPH to keep glutathione in its reduced form. When oxidative challenges arise, the red cells’ membranes become damaged and hemolysis occurs. Infections or illnesses increase oxidative stress in the body, making the red cells more vulnerable in someone with G6PD deficiency, so hemolysis can follow an illness. Fava beans contain oxidant compounds that directly raise oxidative stress within red cells, triggering hemolysis in susceptible individuals. Sulfa drugs are oxidant medications; they can push red cells over the edge in G6PD deficiency, leading to hemolysis. Since each of these categories can precipitate hemolysis, the best choice is that all of the above are triggers.

In G6PD deficiency, red blood cells lack a robust ability to neutralize oxidative stress because they can’t generate enough NADPH to keep glutathione in its reduced form. When oxidative challenges arise, the red cells’ membranes become damaged and hemolysis occurs.

Infections or illnesses increase oxidative stress in the body, making the red cells more vulnerable in someone with G6PD deficiency, so hemolysis can follow an illness.

Fava beans contain oxidant compounds that directly raise oxidative stress within red cells, triggering hemolysis in susceptible individuals.

Sulfa drugs are oxidant medications; they can push red cells over the edge in G6PD deficiency, leading to hemolysis.

Since each of these categories can precipitate hemolysis, the best choice is that all of the above are triggers.