Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in an 81-year-old

In a 81-year-old woman, who for many years had been treated with iron and vitamin B12 injections because of a 'tendency to anaemia', congenital haemolytic anaemia on the basis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was diagnosed. The iron and vitamin medication was discontinued and after a blood transfusion because of signs of heart failure, the patient could leave the hospital in good condition. After instruction with regard to provocative factors, like eating of broad beans, no more haemolytic events occurred. Of her children and grandchildren, 2 sons and 1 granddaughter were G6PD deficient.