My son (now aged 13) was diagnosed with this blood disorder a few days after he was born as they run this test routinely at Singapore hospitals. Ended up he was in hospital for a week after birth under ultraviolet light because of jaundice caused by the condition.

Seems he got it from his mother (Singaporean Chinese) as it doesnt affect whiteys, and can be carried by the mother although she doesnt actually have it herself. Its a genetic thing.

If you have it you have to avoid certain foods (esp. fava beans) and drugs such as anti malarials. Our doctor at the time said that one of her young patients had to have a complete blood transfusion because he had been playing with mothballs found at home in a cupboard.

Wonder if they test for this routinely in Thai maternity hospitals? I read that it affects about 10% of Singaporean males, and similar in the Phillipines so I assume there must be some incidence in Thailand too.


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