On April 22, 2024, Ghanaians woke up to sad news of the demise of renowned Gospel musician, Kofi Owusu Dua Anto popularly known by stage name KODA. Various industry players took to social media to express their condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family and fans.
An old video of KODA narrating how he was given the wrong medications for his medical condition surfaced on social media a few days after his demise. In the video, KODA emotionally narrated how he ingested medications containing sulphur, which were wrongly prescribed, for six to eight months, although he had G6PD deficiency.
“I get a little emotional when I talk about this thing, forgive me… So we scheduled a session with the doctor, and I told the doctor that. Ah.. but why am I being given medication that contains sulphur if I am G6PD because you know that we are not supposed to be taking these things, and you guys are aware of these things,” he said in the video.
He further narrated that the hospital merely apologised for prescribing the wrong medications, which were detrimental to his health.
The video raised concerns and discussions about G6PD deficiency, with several social media users expressing varied views on the condition. DUBAWA decided to highlight G6PD deficiency to ensure that people are well informed about it.
What is G6PD Deficiency?
According to an article by Healthline, G6PD is an acronym for Glucose -6- Phosphate Dehydrogenase. G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition or abnormality where there is an inadequate supply of glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase in the blood. G6PD helps the red blood cells to function properly. Also, it regulates several biochemical reactions in the body. Lack of or inadequate supply of G6PD results in rapid/ premature breakdown of red blood cells. The rapid breakdown of red blood cells occurs faster than the body can replace them, resulting in Hemolytic anaemia.
Causes of G6PD Deficiency
G6PD is a genetic condition inherited from one or both parents. This implies that the deficiency is passed on from one generation to another. The gene that carries the deficiency is located on the X chromosome. As a result, G6PD is prevalent in men because they carry only one X chromosome, whereas women carry two X chromosomes. This implies that women have two sources of the enzyme.
One may have a higher risk of G6PD deficiency if:
- You are male,
- You are African or African-American,
- You are of Middle Eastern origin,
- You have a family history of G6PD.
Symptoms / Signs of G6PD Deficiency
Most people with G6PD Deficiency do not have symptoms or show signs of the condition until it is triggered by exposure to certain things that begin destroying red blood cells in the blood(hemolysis). Symptoms of G6PD deficiency include:
- Dark coloured urine
- Fever
- Extreme tiredness/ weakness
- Dizziness
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Heart murmur
- Enlarged spleen
- Paleness
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Triggers of G6PD Deficiency
Symptoms of G6PD deficiency begin to manifest when people carrying the deficiency are exposed to certain triggers. These triggers include:
- Infections: hepatitis A and hepatitis B
- Certain foods: fava beans
- Certain medicines: sulfa drugs, aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil)
- Certain chemicals: naphthalene found in moth repellent and toilet bowl deodorisers
- Stress
How is G6PD Deficiency diagnosed?
G6PD deficiency is diagnosed by performing blood tests to ascertain the level of G6PD enzyme in the blood. These blood tests may include complete blood cell count, lactate dehydrogenase level (to rule out signs of blood cancer or lymphoma), direct and indirect bilirubin level, reticulocyte count and peripheral blood smear. These tests give information on the red blood cells in the body. It is important to notify the medical practitioner of any diets and medications one is currently taking to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Also, the Healthcare provider will ask if the patient has a family history of G6PD deficiency. The healthcare provider may repeat tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
How is G6PD Deficiency treated or managed?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, G6PD deficiency does not cause any problems until the carrier is exposed to certain food, chemicals or drugs that may harm the red blood cells. Prevention is key to managing G6PD deficiency. It is important to stay away from the triggers. These include specific medicines, foods and environmental exposure. It is important to inform healthcare providers that you have G6PD deficiency, as well as check with them before taking any medications.
Further, according to Healthline, removing triggers that cause symptoms helps in treating/managing G6PD deficiency. For example, if an infection causes a rapid breakdown of red blood cells, it is important to treat it accordingly. It is necessary to discontinue using medications that destroy red blood cells.
Oxygen therapy and blood transfusion replenish red blood cells in cases where G6PD deficiency has progressed to hemolytic anaemia.
Conclusion
G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder that causes the breakdown of red blood cells faster than the body can replenish them. It is important to avoid the triggers that cause G6PD deficiency.
