G6PD Deficiency Increases the Risk of Severe COVID-19 in Black and White Male Veterans: JAMA Study

G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition that affects the body's ability to produce the G6PD enzyme, which helps to protect red blood cells from damage.

The purpose of the study is to see if the presence of G6PD deficiency in veterans with SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 compared to veterans who do not have G6PD deficiency. The analysis also explores whether this association differs by age, sex, and race while considering common comorbidities.

The retrospective cohort study, conducted by the US Veterans Health Administration, looked at 24,700 veterans with G6PD enzyme testing before January 1, 2020, and found that 4811 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from February 15^th, 2020, to January 1^st, 2021.

The study found the following key clinical takeaways:

1. The study discovered that Black male veterans under the age of 65 and White male veterans 65 and older with G6PD deficiency were at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 than veterans without G6PD deficiency.
2. Black male veterans less than 65 years old with G6PD deficiency had a 1.5-fold increased likelihood of developing severe outcomes.
3. White male veterans aged 65 years or older with G6PD deficiency had a 3.6-fold increased likelihood of developing severe outcomes.

Dr. Sarah Elsea, the study’s lead author added, “The study's findings have important implications on public health and for healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients. The researchers propose that G6PD deficiency be considered as part of clinical strategies to reduce severe outcomes in people infected with SARS-CoV-2.”

This research is an important step in understanding the underlying biological risk factors for severe COVID-19 and highlights the need for tailored treatments for different populations. With COVID-19 still a major health concern worldwide, it is crucial that researchers continue to investigate and identify risk factors to improve patient outcomes.

Reference:

Elsea SH, Razjouyan J, Lee KM, Lynch JA, Martini S, Pandit LM. Association of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency With Outcomes in US Veterans With COVID-19. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(3):e235626. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.5626