Some newborns with G6PD deficiency may be more prone to develop jaundice in the first week of life. Before routine screening was implemented in Singapore, some affected newborns experienced severe jaundice, which led to brain injury.

G6PD deficiency stems from a lack of normal enzyme in red blood cells. This enzyme deficit causes the red blood cells to break down more easily, leading to jaundice and anaemia. It is an inherited, lifelong condition, more commonly affecting males than females, with a higher prevalence in the Chinese population (about 5%).

Individuals with G6PD deficiency lead a normal life by avoiding certain foods, drugs and environmental chemicals.

If your child is diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, our neonatal team will provide counselling and a detailed handout about how the inheritance of this condition and necessary precautions for your baby.

Your baby will be monitored in the hospital for at least 72 hours post-birth for jaundice observation and potential treatment. After discharge, regular newborn care should be continued, but always consult your doctor or pharmacist about administering any medication. Caution is advised with herbal supplements and alternative therapies.

Items to avoid for life  

Those with G6PD deficiency, including breastfeeding mothers, should avoid the following:

Antibiotics

• Sulphonamides  
• Co-trimoxazole (Septrin) 
• Dapsone  
• Chloramphenicol  
• Nitrofurantoin  
• Nalidixic acid

Antimalarials

• Chloroquine 
• Hydroxychloroquine 
• Primaquine 
• Quinine
• Mepacrine
  
  

Chemicals

• Moth Balls (naphthalene) 
• Methylene blue
  
  

Food

• Fava beans (also known as broad beans)