Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

G6PD deficiency is one of the most widespread genetic disorders in the world affecting over 400 million people mainly from the Mediterranean basin. Being an X-linked disease it mainly affects boys although girls can also be affected (de novo mutations). The WHO has classified the deficiency into 3 classes. Class 2 and 3 deficiencies are characterized by a risk of acute hemolytic shock due to oxidative stress.Outside the acute episode management is based on preventive measures avoiding drugs and foods that may precipitate an intravascular hemolysis crisis.