Favism and Hemolytic Anemia in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase-Deficient Subjects in North Sardinia

Abstract

The present paper reports the incidence from 1965 to 1979 of acute hemolytic anemia for a total of 948 cases in G-6-PD-deficient subjects due to the ingestion of fresh or dried fava beans or certain drugs and to viral infections. The highest percentage of hemolytic crises was due to fresh fava beans (94.4%). No cases of favism were observed in breast-fed babies whose mothers had eaten fava beans or from pollen inhalation. The male sex proved to be the hardest hit. Hemoglobin values were lower than or equal to 7 g/dl in about 75% of males and 50% of females. Total bilirubin values were lower than 103 μmol/l (6 mg/dl) in about 75% of males and 85% of females. Both the hemoglobin and bilirubin values were statistically significant. Mean transaminase values (SGPT) were significantly higher than those of normal controls. No correlation between favism and blood groups was found.

Unnecessary Deprivation of Common Food Items in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

“…This is due to lack of knowledge and incorrect information. Favism can be prevented by screening combined with education, as in Sardinia, 5 or simply by advising parents not to feed young children fava beans, as in Cyprus. 1 The recommendations of the WHO working group on prevention of complications of G-6-PD deficiency include education of population at risk, education leaflets about avoidance of specific drugs and consumption of fava beans to people who were tested and found positive.…”

“…1,4 Favism and its unpredictable nature has been well debated in the literature. 1,[4][5][6] In the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where G-6-PD deficiency is common, we felt that the fear of favism has led many mothers of G-6-PD-deficient children to refrain from feeding them many common food items not related to fava beans. This study was set up to verify this impression.…”

Updates on Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD): From Prokaryotes to Human

“…It was first discovered in the Mediterranean region [134]. It is specific to G6PD deficient individuals and involves an onset of haemolytic anaemia due to the ingestion of beans (like broad beans) or exposure to the bean pollens [8].…”

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Malaria: A Method to Detect Primaquine-Induced Hemolysis in vitro

“…On the other hand, changes are observed in the same person at different times. Genetic variations between individuals, differences of fava bean active metabolites may be responsible for these variable characteristics (Meloni, et al, 1983, Group, 1989, Luzzatto, 2001). …”