Primary Article

Alcoholic Liver Disease in Black Men With G6PD Deficiency

Authors: RODNEY B. NELSON III MD, La VERNE A. CURRIE MD, WALTER MARBACH MD

Abstract

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency of the type commonly encountered in Afro-American blacks has been associated with an increased severity of viral hepatitis. Decreased activity of the enzyme has been demonstrated in liver tissue of affected individuals. We studied 21 patients with alcoholic liver disease and G6PD deficiency who were identified through the VA Cooperative Study of Sickle Trait and G6PD Deficiency and compared them with 21 black patients with alcoholic liver disease and normal G6PD levels. A trend suggested the severity of liver disease might be less in G6PD-deficient patients. We conclude that G6PD deficiency is not associated with increased severity of alcoholic liver disease.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References