OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of hemolysis in children with 
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency after short-term 
administration of analgesics, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, tramadol, 
sufentanil, and parecoxib.
STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective study of children with G6PD deficiency who 
were treated with analgesics for 3 days after undergoing surgery. Hemoglobin 
(Hb) concentration, reticulocyte count, unconjugated bilirubin level, lactate 
dehydrogenase level, and the presence of Heinz bodies on blood smear microscopy 
were assessed at baseline and after analgesic treatment. Telephone interviews 
and clinical reviews were provided during a 7-day study period. The primary 
outcome was evidence of hemolysis. Statistical analyses were done using the 
paired Student t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test as appropriate.
RESULTS: Ten male infants (mean age, 4.3 ± 1.3 years) completed the study. The 
mean decrease in (Hb) concentration was -0.2 g/dL (P, not significant). The mean 
reticulocyte count increased by 0.1% (95% CI, 0.08%-0.2%; P = .001). However, 
the change in reticulocyte count was not correlated with the changes in Hb 
concentration or other laboratory results and was not accompanied by the 
clinical signs and symptoms of hemolysis.
CONCLUSION: Short-term administration of paracetamol, ibuprofen, tramadol, 
sufentanil, and parecoxib in therapeutic dosages did not increase the risk of 
hemolysis in children with G6PD deficiency.