Psoriasis and Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A Rare Association?

Abstract

Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a vital enzyme for erythrocytes to be protected against oxidative stress. Its deficiency is the most common erythrocyte enzyme defect. Deficiency can cause acute or chronic hemolysis episodes. Hemolysis can be augmented by infections or drug use. Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by skin involvement with inflammatory plaques. An otherwise healthy 37 years old male patient presented to internal medicine outpatient clinic with fatigue, generalized pain and skin lesions. Patient states that his sypmtoms got worse and worse after he took those medications. His past medical history was unremarkable. His family history reveals that his brother’s son was recently diagnosed with G6PD deficiency. Quantitavite G6PD enzyme assay did not reveal any enzyme activity. Results were consistent with chronic hemolysis and G6PD enzyme deficiency was diagnosed as the cause. Patient’s skin lesions were consulted with dermatology and he was diagnosed with psoriasis. Because he had G6PD deficiency, he was only prescribed topical treatment. The patient was relieved of all generalized body pain. Here we present a case who presented with erythematous and squamataous plaques and malaise/generalized pain, diagnosed with G6PD deficiency and psoriasis. We discuss the possible relationship between two conditions. J Med Cases. 2015;6(11):493-497 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2318e