Relative frequency of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in icteric newborn infants

ABSTRACT

Quantitative erythrocyte G6PD enzyme activity was assessed in 100 mature jaundiced neonates in the first week after delivery, in order to estimate the frequency of G6PD deficiency in the icteric neonates as well as the severity of hyperbilirubinemia among G6PD deficient group. The G6PD deficiency was detected in 5 of the patients [equivalent to a frequency of 5%]. The total bilirubin level was significantly higher in G6PD deficient group compared to a jaundiced group with normal G6PD activity [P 0.02]. A strong positive significant correlation was found between the reticulocytic count and G6PD enzyme activity [r 0.87, P <0.05]. These findings suggest the necessity to establish this screening test as a routine for all icteric newborns, in order to have an opportunity detection and appropriate counseling