An audit of the precipitating factors for haemolytic crisis among glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient paediatric patients.
BACKGROUND
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common genetic enzyme deficiencies leading to haemolytic anaemia. This study aimed to investigate the precipitating factors for haemolytic crisis in G6PD-deficient paediatric patients in Jordan.


METHODS
A retrospective study of data from the records of 258 paediatric patients admitted to a major paediatric hospital in North Jordan from January 2001 until April 2007. Patients included were G6PD-deficient children who were admitted to the hospital secondary to an episode of haemolytic anaemia.


RESULTS
Of 258 paediatric patients, 244 (94.2%) had developed a haemolytic episode secondary to ingestion of fava beans. The remaining 14 children (5.8%) developed a haemolytic episode triggered by other factors, such as drugs and upper respiratory infections.


CONCLUSIONS
Fava bean ingestion is the major precipitating factor for haemolytic anaemia episodes among G6PD-deficient children in Jordan.
Al-Azzam
Sayer I
SI
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan. sayerazzam@yahoo.com
Al-Ajlony
Mohammad J
MJ
Al-Khateeb
Taqwa
T
Alzoubi
Karem H
KH
Mhaidat
Nizar
N
Ayoub
Abeer
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005955:Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015985:Precipitating Factors; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D031307:Vicia faba / Q000009:adverse effects