Hematologist at the Hematology Department of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ivy-Marie Aggrey has revealed that G6PD deficiency is predominant in males than females because it is genetic and affects the X-Chromosomes.

G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder that most often affects males. It happens when the body doesn't have enough of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). G6PD helps red blood cells work. It also protects them from substances in the blood that could harm them.

She was speaking in an interview with Roselyn Felli on Prime Morning, Tuesday.

She explained that the deficiency affects the X-Chromosome and since the male genes are XY, it means an attack on the X-chromosomes affects the entire body, which results in symptoms.

“It is mostly males who present the symptoms of G6PD Deficiency because males have XY and females have XX chromosomes, the gene that causes the deficiency is on the X-chromosome so when females have it on one X they will just be carriers,” Dr. Ivy-Marie Aggrey stated

Dr. Aggrey noted that when symptoms are triggered, they include fever, dark urine, abdominal and back pain, fatigue and pale skin.

In addition, she stated that the Deficiency is inherited, hence cannot be cured but can only be managed and mostly does not show any symptoms at all.

“It’s an inheritable disease so there is nothing you can do to cure it, all one has to do is to manage it by knowing what to eat and what not to eat. The best way is to go for a medical check-up anytime one sees any of the signs mentioned earlier,” she added.