BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzymatic disorder of red blood cells in humans. G6PD deficiency is prevalent in Iran especially in north region. Considering that favism is one of the most reason of hospitalization of these patients, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings of favism in adults, in north of Iran.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 50 adult patients with favism hospitalized in Babol city, north of Iran (2006-2008). Data on demographic and clinical features and laboratory findings, cause of hemolysis and blood transfusion were evaluated and then data was analyzed.
FINDINGS: All of patients had exposure to fava beans. Twenty six (52%) were male and 24 (48%) were female. Thirty (60%) hadn experience of such attack. Clinical features were dark urine in 45 (90%), headache in 34 (68%), nausea in 28 (56%), stomach pain in 23 (46%), vomiting in 20 (40%) and fever in 8 (16%). Sclera was icteric in all patients. Bilirubinuria and hemoglobinuria were seen in 9 (18%) and 16 (32%), respectively.
CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study based on favism new onset in adults (60%), and no difference in gender distribution, future studies to evaluate causes of hemolysis due to fava bean in adults and relations with G6PD deficiency suggested. Also, the results show that in north of Iran in management of adults with icter or acute hemolytic anemia, favism should be considered (also in women).