What is the Difference Between G6PD and Sickle Cell?

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G6PD and Sickle Cell are two different hereditary diseases of the red blood cells. The key difference between them is:

  • G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase): G6PD is an enzyme that protects red blood cells from hemolysis. G6PD deficiency causes hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are synthesized.
  • Sickle Cell: Sickle Cell disease is caused by a surplus of sickle cell hemoglobin, an abnormal form of hemoglobin in red blood cells. This leads to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells, which can cause haemolytic anemia due to their tendency to get stuck in blood vessels and be more vulnerable to damage.

Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) are more prone to haemolysis due to the shape of their red blood cells. If they are also deficient in G6PD, the haemolysis may escalate. Some studies suggest that the incidence of G6PD deficiency is higher in patients with SCD than in the general population. However, the relationship between G6PD deficiency and SCD is still debated among researchers.

Comparative Table: G6PD vs Sickle Cell

G6PD deficiency and sickle cell disease are both hereditary diseases of the red blood cells. Here is a table comparing the differences between G6PD deficiency and sickle cell disease:

Feature G6PD Deficiency Sickle Cell Disease
Definition G6PD deficiency is a condition in which the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is not present or functional, leading to red blood cell damage. Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders caused by variants of the β-globin chain of hemoglobin, resulting in abnormally shaped red blood cells.
Inheritance Autosomal recessive. Autosomal recessive.
Clinical Consequences Hemolytic anemia, neonatal jaundice, acute splenomegaly, and an increased risk of sepsis. Hematological complications, vasoocclusion, and organ dysfunction, which can lead to pain episodes.
Interaction Coinheritance of G6PD deficiency and sickle cell hemoglobin variant can be as high as 7%, and 19.5% of patients with sickle cell disease have G6PD deficiency. No coinheritance mentioned in the search results.

Note that G6PD deficiency does not offer any merit or demerit to patients with sickle cell disease, but patients with both conditions may run a higher risk of sepsis and hemoglobinuria.