Association of Hydroxychloroquine use and Hemolytic Anemia in Patients With Low Levels of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase.

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) is linked to hemolytic anemia with certain medications and is the most common enzyme deficiency worldwide. Although the American College of Rheumatology does not recommend routine testing for G6PD prior to initiation of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), the package insert for HCQ does recommend careful use in patients with G6PD deficiency.

Methods: We identified eligible subjects seen at our tertiary care, urban medical center between 1997 and 2018.