General Anesthesia in a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Child: A Case Report

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and psychotic disorders: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD) is the most common enzymopathy globally. Early studies suggested an association with severe psychotic illness; however, changes to laboratory testing and diagnostic classification renders the association unclear. This study aims to explore the interaction between G6PD deficiency and psychotic symptoms, in particular to identify specific patterns of presentation or impact on outcomes.

METHODS

Pubmed, Embase, and PsycInfo databases were searched from inception to May 2023. Descriptive statistics and narrative review of were used to synthesise data on demographics, mental and physical health diagnoses, investigations, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

No clear link was found in published data (eight case reports, case series of n = 29) with a high rate (63%) of haemolytic crisis at the time of psychiatric presentation suggested delirium as an alternative diagnosis. Four case control studies found no significant difference in the prevalence of G6PD deficiency. However, catatonic presentation was reported in 40% of the case series and a higher prevalence of G6PD deficiency in catatonic schizophrenia was noted in case control studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the information available there was no clear association between G6PD deficiency and psychotic illness or treatment resistance, although paucity of studies and risk of bias limit strong conclusions.

Anesthetic management of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is the most common enzyme disease of red blood cells, with around 400 million people suffering from it throughout the world and linked to the X chromosome inheritance, thus it predominantly affects men. Glucose 6-phosphate-dehydrogenase participates in the pentose-phosphate pathway, being responsible for cellular metabolism and the production of antioxidants. A deficiency of this enzyme alters its ability to protect red blood cells from oxidative stress caused by certain drugs, metabolic conditions, infections and food. Specific anesthetic considerations are required to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with medical-surgical interventions in patients with this disease. This article presents the case of a 45-year-old man with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency who underwent combined general anaesthesia for programmed low anterior resection of the rectum.