Severe rhabdomyolysis as a likely isolated presentation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

An otherwise healthy young adult male with known glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency presented with severe rhabdomyolysis following routine exercise in the absence of haemolytic anaemia. While G6PD deficiency classically presents with oxidative stress-induced haemolysis, usually reported in the context of infection, medications or toxins, rhabdomyolysis is a rare and atypical manifestation. In this case, no clear precipitating factor for rhabdomyolysis was identified, and the patient did not develop haemolysis. Work up ruled out typical causes of acquired rhabdomyolysis. This presentation highlights the potential for G6PD deficiency to contribute to muscle injury even in the absence of haemolysis and suggests that G6PD deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atraumatic rhabdomyolysis of unclear aetiology. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids and close monitoring, showed clinical improvement and was discharged in stable condition.