Long-term, low-dose aspirin is safe in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Forty-four patients with Mediterranean-type glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency receiving long-term, low-dose aspirin were monitored over three months for evidence of hemolysis. Complete blood count, reticulocyte count and serum bilirubin were normal in all patients before treatment and upon periodic retesting. We conclude that there is sufficient current evidence to remove the hemolytic stigma of aspirin in G-6-PD deficiency, thereby establishing its safety for long-term therapy in this condition.