G6PD Deficiency and Priapism: Is There a Link Between the Two Entities?

Abstract

Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is called the house keeping enzyme essential for all cells survival. G6PD deficiency is best studied for its role in hemolysis as this enzyme is the only source of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) in red blood cells (RBCs) and is the cells defense against reactive oxygen species. We present one of the rare complications of G6PD deficiency in this case where all other causes of priapism were ruled out.