Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Pathology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My son is six months old and has been identified with G6PD deficiency. His hemoglobin levels are 0.92 gm/dL. I want to know whether the deficiency is mild, moderate, or severe. As I read, 10 to 60 percent of the levels are moderate. Also, I have heard legumes are restricted. We have a pulse and legume-based diet, so should it be restricted?
A simple fever can also trigger hemolysis. I am quite stressed about this.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I went through your query and understood your concern.
To classify G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency, clinical hemolytic episodes and hyperbilirubinemia also need to be considered. If there is a continuous hemolysis attack and due to that hemoglobin constantly decreasing, then it can be class one or two, which is a severe form. If the class three and four hemolysis are not present, the severity can be considered less.
In G6PD deficiency, it is better to avoid fava beans mainly, which can lead to hemolysis. However, fever usually does not precipitate G6PD hemolysis. The drugs like Primaquine (antimalarial drug), Aspirin (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug), Nitrofurantoin (antibiotic), Vitamin K (dietary supplement), and Toluidine blue (Thiazine Metachromatic dye) should be avoided. The infection also can precipitate the condition. So your child's peripheral smear examination, CBC (complete blood count test), and bilirubin should be checked during the initial course of the disease.
I suggest you consult a nearby hematologist for a detailed evaluation and examination.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I have referred the pediatric hematologist, who advised a CBC, and G6PD check for the next checkup. So he cannot consume any dal or rajma? Since I have read that these are the food that need to be avoided, and that is why i keep asking. I need clarification since this is written everywhere. If hemolysis happens, is it treatable for kids? Flu and cold are common, so is there any alternative medicine for that? Infections also happen in kids, meaning he can have hemolytic episodes with every infection.
Please reply.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, fava beans and legumes are better to avoid. But every time in every patient, they might not lead to hemolysis. If that food intake causes hemolysis, then you should strictly avoid it. Mild flu-like infection usually does not lead to hemolysis. Usually, severe infection or severe flu can lead to hemolysis. A mild episode of hemolysis needs only supportive management. No blood transfusion is needed. But if hemoglobin levels falls much due to severe hemolysis, blood transfusion is needed in such cases.
I hope this has helped you out.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You can revert with reports. In the future, take care while giving any drug to your child. The drugs are to be given after consulting your doctor only. Give him plenty of fluids.
I hope this has helped you out.
Thanks and regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Sure, I will revert to you.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You can ask questions whenever needed.
Kindly follow up for further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
It is fine.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I hope your concern is solved.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Yes, doctor.
Thank you again.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Fine then.
I hope this has helped.
Take care.
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Pathology
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