From the Research
G6PD deficiency is unlikely to be the primary cause of this patient's abnormal lab values, as the presentation is more consistent with liver dysfunction. The elevated ALT (99) and mildly elevated AST (38) suggest liver injury, while the alkaline phosphatase of 119 is borderline elevated 1. The high urine pH of 8.5 indicates alkaline urine, which can occur with certain metabolic conditions or urinary tract infections. G6PD deficiency primarily causes hemolytic anemia when triggered by certain medications, foods, or infections, and typically presents with different laboratory abnormalities like decreased hemoglobin, elevated bilirubin, and elevated LDH 2. Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and management of G6PD deficiency include:
- G6PD deficiency is a common enzyme deficiency that can cause hemolytic anemia, especially in response to certain triggers like fava beans, sulfonamides, or antimalarials 3
- The diagnosis of G6PD deficiency can be made through enzymatic activity testing or molecular analysis 4
- Patients with G6PD deficiency should avoid known triggers to prevent hemolytic episodes, and may require additional testing such as a complete blood count and bilirubin levels if hemolysis is suspected 5 To properly evaluate this patient, additional testing would be needed, including a complete blood count, bilirubin levels, and potentially G6PD enzyme activity testing if hemolysis is suspected. If G6PD deficiency is confirmed, the patient should avoid known triggers like certain antibiotics (sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin), antimalarials, fava beans, and naphthalene-containing products to prevent hemolytic episodes 2.