The importance of anamnesis in hemolytic anemia

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) deficiency is the most common erythrocyte enzyme disorder worldwide, with X-linked inheritance. The G6PDH enzyme participates in the pentose phosphate pathway, which is essential for protection against oxidative stress in erythrocytes. Its deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to hemolysis upon exposure to certain triggers, such as infections, medications, or oxidizing foods, with fava beans being a common trigger, a condition known as favism.

The clinical presentation is variable, ranging from asymptomatic episodes to severe hemolytic anemia with jaundice, dark urine, and hemodynamic compromise. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and confirmed by enzyme assays and morphological examination of peripheral blood.

This case is presented due to the importance of a targeted medical history in cases of hemolytic anemia in children, as well as the importance of identifying potentially avoidable triggering factors.