What is neonatal favism?

Neonatal favism is caused by the lack of an enzyme in the child's body. Its symptoms are very similar to those caused by eating fresh broad beans. Acute intravascular hemolysis will occur. If it is not handled properly or treated well, it often leads to worsening of the disease, posing a great threat to the child's life safety. Therefore, when this disease occurs, it should be diagnosed and treated in time. Let us learn about this aspect.

What is neonatal favism?

Favism is a genetic disease that is key to prevention. It is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme in the body (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD). The provinces and cities south of the Yangtze River are high-incidence areas, such as Hainan, Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou and other places. This disease often occurs in early summer when broad beans are on the market. The incidence rate in young children is significantly higher than that in adults, and in male babies far more than in female babies.

Causes of favism

Patients who eat fresh broad beans or broad bean products, or directly touch their pollen, may develop hemolytic anemia suddenly, usually within 12-24 hours. However, not every contact will result in illness. It is also possible that physical discomfort will not appear until hours or days later. This disease is caused by a genetic defect of G6PD, which is inherited through the X chromosome recessive inheritance, and some people define it as incomplete dominant inheritance. Since women have two X chromosomes, they will be carriers and will not develop the disease unless both of them carry the pathological gene. Once a male carries a disease-causing gene on his X chromosome, he will become ill. There is currently no cure for this disease, so prevention is the key.

Symptoms of favism

The severity of the disease varies, and is generally manifested by pale face, dizziness, low fever, chills, general weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms. Severe cases may even result in coma, shock, weak pulse, renal failure and other abnormal manifestations. The disease attacks violently, and sometimes the patient recovers on his own after 2-6 days. However, in severe cases, the patient may be life-threatening if not treated in time.

How to prevent and treat favism

1. Pregnant women and newborns with this disease can take small doses of phenobarbital strictly according to the doctor's instructions to prevent neonatal kernicterus.

2. If your baby has a medical history, you should pay attention to daily care and do not give your child the opportunity to eat or come into contact with broad beans. When seeking medical treatment, you must clearly tell the doctor that your child is a favism patient and ask the doctor to use medication appropriately.

3. Blood transfusion is the most effective way to treat this disease. In addition, you need to drink more water and regulate the electrolyte balance in the body to prevent renal failure or potassium poisoning.