g6pd internal organs

Taking Care of Your Organs in G6PD Deficiency

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Taking Care of Your Organs in G6PD Deficiency

With Research-Based Insights

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency worldwide, affecting an estimated 400 million people. It predisposes red blood cells to break down prematurely during oxidative stress. When a hemolytic crisis occurs, the sudden destruction of red blood cells places heavy strain on vital organs, particularly the kidneys, liver, spleen, and heart.

Protecting these organs is critical to maintaining long-term health.

1. Kidneys: The First Filter

Why they are at risk:
During hemolysis, large amounts of free hemoglobin are released into the bloodstream. This hemoglobin passes through the kidneys and can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) due to oxidative stress and tubular damage.

How to protect your kidneys:

  • Stay well hydrated to help the kidneys flush out waste.
  • Avoid nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., certain antibiotics, NSAIDs, contrast dyes).
  • Monitor urine color: dark/cola-colored urine can signal hemolysis.
  • Get regular kidney function tests.

Supporting Research:

  • Emechebe GO et al. (2016). Acute kidney injury complicating glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in children: A review. Niger J Clin Pract. 19(3): 303–307.
  • Cappellini MD, Fiorelli G. (2008). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Lancet. 371(9606):64–74.

2. Liver: The Detox and Processing Center

Why it is at risk:
The liver metabolizes bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. Repeated crises can overwhelm the liver, causing jaundice and gallstone formation (pigment stones).

How to protect your liver:

  • Eat a balanced, liver-friendly diet rich in antioxidants.
  • Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic medications.
  • Watch for signs of jaundice (yellow skin or eyes).
  • Get regular liver function tests.

Supporting Research:

  • Kaplan M et al. (2001). Hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia in G6PD deficiency. Clin Perinatol. 28(2): 407–420.
  • Kaplan M, Hammerman C. (2000). Bilirubin and the genome: the hereditary basis of unconjugated neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Curr Pharmacogenomics.

3. Spleen: The Blood Cell Monitor

Why it is at risk:
The spleen removes damaged or abnormal red blood cells. In G6PD deficiency, frequent hemolysis can lead to splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) and hypersplenism.

How to protect your spleen:

  • Avoid hemolysis triggers (fava beans, sulfa drugs, naphthalene, infections).
  • Seek evaluation if you feel pain or fullness in the left upper abdomen.
  • Regular physical exams can detect early enlargement.

Supporting Research:

  • Beutler E. (1994). G6PD deficiency. Blood. 84(11):3613–3636.
  • Luzzatto L, Nannelli C, Notaro R. (2016). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 30(2):373–393.

4. Heart: The Oxygen Supplier

Why it is at risk:
Chronic anemia from repeated hemolysis forces the heart to pump harder to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery. Over time, this may contribute to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) or even heart failure in severe cases.

How to protect your heart:

  • Maintain healthy habits: light exercise, balanced diet, adequate rest.
  • Treat anemia promptly during crises.
  • Watch for shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations.
  • Ask your doctor about ECG or echocardiogram monitoring if crises are frequent.

Supporting Research:

  • Cho H, Kim YJ, Lee HJ. (2007). Anemia and the risk of heart failure: epidemiologic evidence. Korean J Intern Med.
  • Luzzatto L, Ally M, Notaro R. (2020). Managing G6PD deficiency in the COVID-19 era. Br J Haematol. 189(1):43–52.

General Tips for Organ Protection in G6PD Deficiency

  • Know and avoid your triggers.
  • Seek early medical care at the first sign of hemolysis.
  • Educate family and caregivers to prevent accidental exposures.
  • Schedule regular checkups with a healthcare provider.

Final Note

Most people with G6PD deficiency live normal, healthy lives if they avoid oxidative triggers and monitor organ health. The kidneys, liver, spleen, and heart are the first to show stress during recurrent crises, so proactive care is essential. Awareness, prevention, and routine medical follow-up can protect these vital organs and ensure long-term wellness.