The severity of acute viral hepatitis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: a case-control study

Objective: To compare outcomes and severity parameters in patients with acute viral hepatitis and those with acute viral hepatitis and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Method: The retrospective, case-control study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data from June 1, 2016, to January 31, 2022, related to patients with acute viral hepatitis having glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in group A, and patients with acute viral hepatitis without G6PD deficiency in control group B. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. Results: Of the 27 male patients, 9 (33.3%) were in group A, with a mean age of 28.89 ± 6.7 years, while group B had 18 (66.6%) patients, with a mean age of 28.11 ± 8.6 years. There was no female subject in the sample. The haemoglobin levels were lower in group A patients (p=0.06). Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, serum creatinine, and the length of hospital stay were significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Acute hepatitis in patients with G6PD deficiency may present with a more severe course complicated by haemolysis, hyperbilirubinaemia, acute liver failure, and acute kidney injury. Early recognition of G6PD deficiency is essential for appropriate monitoring and prevention of complications.