G6PD (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency is a hemolytic anemia
transmitted as a sex-linked recessive disorder from a carrier mother to
50% of her daughters who will become carriers of the trait. 50% of her
sons can inherit the disease. G6PD results in impaired metabolism of the
red blood cell. The disease is found among persons of Mediterranean
descent as well as 10-12% of American Blacks. The patient is advised to
avoid anti-malarial and sulfa drugs.