From the Research
Individuals with G6PD deficiency should completely avoid fava beans to prevent hemolytic anemia, and management of favism focuses on prevention through avoidance of triggering agents and supportive care for acute episodes. The significance of fava beans in medical conditions, particularly in relation to G6PD deficiency, lies in their potential to trigger acute hemolytic anemia in individuals lacking the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [ 1 ].
Key Points to Consider
- Fava beans can cause hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and dark urine [ 2 ].
- The severity of hemolytic episodes can vary among patients and even in the same patient over time [ 3 ].
- Management of favism involves stopping the triggering agent, supportive care, and sometimes blood transfusions for severe cases [ 4 ].
- Genetic testing can confirm G6PD deficiency, and patient education on safe and unsafe medications and foods is crucial to prevent reoccurrence of hemolytic episodes [ 5 ].
Clinical Features and Treatment
- Symptoms of an acute episode include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain, and can vary in severity and presentation across different age groups [ 5 ].
- Laboratory findings are characterized by anemia, reticulocytosis, elevated bilirubin level, and sometimes urinary urobilinogen and methemoglobinemia [ 1 ].
- Treatment for acute episodes involves supportive care, and sometimes blood transfusions for severe cases, with a focus on prevention through avoidance of triggering agents [ 2 ].