Q.In G6PD def,Why RBC enzyme analysis done after hemolysis subsides? ?

[sgsh]

Q. Can someone explain why enzyme studies are done AFTER THE HEMOLYSIS HAS SUBSIDED to confirm the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency ? Thanks.

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[Jabbed]

Because that the RBCs that are deficient in G6PD will be hemolyzed. The only RBCs that aren't hemolyzed are the ones that have elevated concentrations of G6PD. Thus testing G6PD levels during an acute hemolytic episode only tells you about the G6PD concentration in the RBCs that have the most of it, producing a skewed result.

 

[sgsh]

Thanks Jabbed.
Do U mean to say- measuring enzyme studies during an acute episode only tells only about the RBCs with sufficient G6PD (most of which can still survive in acute episode) while we can't measure the enzymes (G6PD) in RBCs with deficient G6PD because they get lysed during acute hemolysis episode and thus we can't get the real picture of the enzyme( G6PD ) present in RBCs as a whole, right???.
Pls correct me if I still lack understanding in this.

 

[Entadus]

G6PD deficiency is about half-life. The mutated enzyme does not last as long as a typical RBC would live (120 days), so the older RBC's will begin to have a lack of G6PD enzyme that they need to deal with oxidative stresses. So if you check the enzyme levels right after all the old cells have been lysed, you won't see a problem with G6PD because only the newer RBC's (with plenty of still-functional G6PD enzyme) will be left around.

 

[sgsh]

Now, I got it. Thanks Entadus & Jabbed for clarifying the concept.