Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency causes:
**Core Concept**
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic disorder affecting the enzyme responsible for maintaining the balance of reducing power in red blood cells. This deficiency leads to an increased susceptibility to oxidative stress, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
G6PD is crucial in the pentose phosphate pathway, where it catalyzes the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to 6-phosphogluconolactone, producing NADPH in the process. NADPH is essential for maintaining the reduced state of glutathione, a key antioxidant in red blood cells. In G6PD deficiency, oxidative stress triggers the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to hemolysis. This condition is often precipitated by exposure to certain medications, infections, or foods that induce oxidative stress.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because G6PD deficiency does not primarily cause anemia due to iron deficiency.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because G6PD deficiency is not directly associated with an increased risk of thrombosis.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because G6PD deficiency does not primarily cause anemia due to impaired erythropoiesis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to recognize that G6PD deficiency can be triggered by various factors, including certain medications (e.g., primaquine, sulfonamides), infections (e.g., malaria), and foods (e.g., fava beans). A thorough medical and social history is crucial in identifying patients at risk.
**Correct Answer: D. Hemolytic anemia.**