Question
Dear doctor! My child was born four days ago and was diagnosed with G6PD deficiency due to severe jaundice after examination by a pediatrician. May I ask, doctor, what is the cause of this condition in my child?
Answer
Sickle cell disease is a common term for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in red blood cells, a genetic disorder. Generally, children with this condition have symptoms and appearances similar to those of normal children, without any obvious changes. However, symptoms may appear within 1-2 days after consuming beans or within 2 to 3 days after taking medication. It is important that children should not eat beans and certain oxidizing drugs. Currently, there is no medication that can correct the genetic deficiency, or it is best to prevent such situations. For everyone involved, you may be affected by a recessive genetic defect.