Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in newborns

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia and neonatal jaundice. Screening of newborns by examining the cord blood for enzyme activity has been proposed for prevention of its complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of G6PD deficiency in newborns in Vali-e-Asr hospital, Tehran. The relation between G6PD deficiency and the variables of sex, gestational age, jaundice, hemolysis, and anemia was also examined.
Methods: 450 newborns during a 9-month period were examined for G6PD activity by Fluorescent Spot Test of specimens of cord blood and for other variables.
Findings: 9 neonates (8 males and 1 female) were G6PD deficient. The incidence of G6PD deficiency was 2% (3.3% for boys and 0.5% for girls). Six (66.7%) cases of G6PD deficiency developed jaundice. None of the G6PD-deficient neonates developed anemia. Only one case had a high cord blood reticulocyte count. G6PD deficiency was correlated with sex and neonatal jaundice. There was no correlation between G6PD deficiency and gestational age, hematocrit and reticulocyte count of the cord blood.
Conclusion: The incidence of G6PD deficiency in newborns in Vali-e-Asr hospital in Tehran was 2%. Screening of the male newborns for enzyme deficiency by examining the cord blood is suggested.

Keywords
Glucose-6-phosphate deficiency , Icterus , Neonates , Hyperbilirubinemia , Screening