ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the epidemiological status of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency among children from Yunnan with unique ethnic origins.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>DNA samples from 11759 children were tested with fluorescent spot test, G6PD/6PGD quantitative ratio assay and hemoglobin electrophoresis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The detection rate of G6PD deficiency was 2.5%, for which boys were significantly greater than girls (3.5% vs. 1.4%, P<0.05). Significant differences were also detected among children from different ethnic groups and different regions. For ethnic Han Chinese, the detection rate was 0.7%, which was lower than the majority of ethnic minorities. By regression analysis, altitude of residence and family history both have significant influence on the calculated rate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Occurrence of G6PD deficiency seems to be influenced by gender. It also varies substantially between different ethnic groups as well as regions, e.g., more common in south. It also showed a declining trend after years of diagnosis and intervention. This survey may provide a valuable basis for counseling of G6PD deficiency in Yunnan.</p>