A Japanese neonatal case of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency presenting as severe jaundice and hemolytic anemia without apparent trigger

Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is rare among Japanese ethnicity although it is known as one of the most common hereditary disorders of erythrocytes, causing intravascular hemolysis. It is well-known that G6PD deficiency may cause hemolysis even in the neonatal period. However, most cases are asymptomatic, and the frequency of severe anemia is low.