ANAESTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF A PATIENT WITH G-6-PD DEFICIENCY: AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE

Aditi Ranaut and Narinder Singh*

ABSTRACT

Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is a clinical condition characterized by red blood cell enzymatic defect resulting in hemolysis following exposure to oxidative stress from medications and infections.1 The management of a patient with G-6-PD deficiency, involves careful preoperative assessment, including a thorough work-up, optimisation of haematocrit, and being prepared for transfusion of blood. Herein we discuss a case of 6 year old male child diagnosed case of G-6-PD deficiency with septic arthritis managed successfully with arthrotomy under subarachnoid block. The focus of anesthetic management in this child was avoiding drugs which may cause hemolysis in G-6-PD deficiency, reducing surgical stress with adequate analgesia, and adequate preparations to manage hemolysis should it occur.

Keywords: Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, Oxidative stress, Hemolysis.