Deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) can lead to which condition?

• A. Liver disease
• B. Hemolytic anemia
• C. Muscular dystrophy
• D. Myocardial infarction

Answer: (B)

A deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) primarily leads to hemolytic anemia due to the crucial role this enzyme plays in the pentose phosphate pathway. G6PD is responsible for maintaining adequate levels of NADPH, which is vital for protecting red blood cells from oxidative stress.

When G6PD is deficient, red blood cells become more susceptible to oxidative agents—such as certain medications, infections, or dietary substances (like fava beans). The inability to effectively neutralize free radicals can result in the premature breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia. Patients may present with symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine during episodes of hemolysis.

The other options do not pertain directly to G6PD deficiency. Liver disease often involves different metabolic pathways and is not caused by G6PD issues. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder unrelated to red blood cell metabolism, and myocardial infarction primarily relates to cardiac blood flow and is not a consequence of G6PD deficiency. Thus, hemolytic anemia is the direct outcome of this enzymatic deficiency.