The Efficacy of Vitamin E and Folic acid on the Acute Hemolysis Caused by Glucose-6 phosphate Dehydrogenase

Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common inherited enzyme deficiency of red blood cells involving the enzyme pathway of hexose monophosphate. This study was conducted to examine the effect of vitamin E and folic acid on the improvement of acute hemolysis caused by the G6PD deficiency in patients referred to 17 Shahrivar Hospital, Rasht.
This was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 120 patients with G6PD deficiency. The patients were divided in 4 groups, including vitamin E, folic acid, a combination of both supplements, and control groups. The hemoglobin level and the reticulocyte count of patients during hospitalization, at discharge and two weeks after discharge were evaluated. All patients received standard treatment for acute hemolysis.
Mean age of the patients was 44.19± 16.43 months. There was no significant difference between 4 groups in terms of age, gender, and etiology of hemolysis (p>0.05). The consumption of fava bean was the main cause of hemolysis in 95% of patients. The level of hemoglobin and hematocrit, and reticulocyte count during hospitalization and discharge among groups showed no significant difference (p>0.05). However, a significant increase was observed in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit and reduction of reticulocyte count in patients receiving supplements compared with control group (p=0.001).
Considering the low cost, availability, and safety profile of theses supplements, it seems that usage of folic acid and vitamin E can be highly recommended during favism.