FREQUENCY OF GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY IN NEONATAL JAUNDICE IN DISTRICT SWAT, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common cause of neonatal jaundice. Severe neonatal
hyperbilirubinemia and kemicterus continue to be reported worldwide in otherwise healthy term infants.
We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and to determine
underlying causes, improved knowledge of which would be valuable to help identify strategies for risk
reduction.
Methods: 100 infants of both sexes, of the age between 1-28 days, with no infection and Rh incompatibility
were included in the study. The activity of G6PD was determined by a dye-reduction method screening test
devised by Sigma Diagnostics USA. Complete blood counts (CBC) with reticulocyte count, serum bilirubin
(total and indirect) were performed and the results were recorded for further analyses.
Results: Out of the total 100 subjects, classified in two groups on the basis of presence of jaundice, 14 (14%)
were G6PD deficient. The frequency of G6PD deficiency was markedly prominent, in neonates with
jaundice.
Discussion: G6PD deficiency is one of the major causes of jaundice in neonates. The study area also have a
considerable number of G6PD deficient individuals. This indicates a need for a more thorough assessment
of newborn infants and consideration of strategies to identify at-risk newborns, such as pre-discharge
measurement of serum bilirubin levels and G6PD deficiency screening.