From the Research
Patients with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should undergo Liver Function Tests (LFTs) regularly if they are taking medications that can cause oxidative stress or if they have acute hemolytic episodes. While G6PD deficiency primarily affects red blood cells rather than the liver directly, hemolytic episodes can lead to increased bilirubin levels and potentially affect liver function tests, as seen in a study on the management of G6PD-deficient patients 1. The frequency of LFT monitoring should be individualized based on the patient's medication regimen, clinical status, and history of hemolytic episodes. During acute hemolytic crises, more frequent LFT monitoring is warranted to assess for complications like hyperbilirubinemia, as noted in a review of G6PD deficiency and its implications for drug therapy 2. Some key points to consider in the management of G6PD-deficient patients include:
- Avoiding medications that can trigger hemolysis, such as certain antimalarials, sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin, and some NSAIDs, as discussed in a study on the safety of medications in G6PD-deficient patients 3
- Monitoring for signs and symptoms of acute hemolytic crises, such as anemia, fatigue, back or abdominal pain, jaundice, and hemoglobinuria, as outlined in a review of G6PD deficiency and its diagnosis 2
- Considering the risk of hemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients undergoing surgical procedures, such as liver transplantation, as noted in a study on the outcomes of G6PD-deficient donors in living donor liver transplantation 4
- Individualizing the approach to each patient based on their specific clinical status, medication regimen, and history of hemolytic episodes, as emphasized in a review of the pathophysiology and clinical implications of G6PD deficiency 5.