Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and neonatal jaundice in Jamaica - abstract

ABSTRACT

The relationship between G6PD deficiency and neonatal jaundice in Jamaica was examined in two ways. A survey of 287 neonates born at the University hospital included clininical examination, and laboratory investigations designed to detect G6PD deficiency (methylene blue screening test and spectrophotometric assay). ABO and Rh hemolytic disease of the newborn, and other causes of neonatal jaundice. Hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrutsm reticulocytes and plasma bilirubin concentrations were also estimated. The mean plasma bilirubin concentration was higher on day 3 in G6PD deficiency neonates (4.2 mgm percent) than in normal neonates (3.6 mgm percent) and was markedly increased in those in whom heterospecificity was associated with G6PD deficiency (9.4 mgm percent). The mean hemoglobin concentration was also lower (17.8 gm percent) in the latter group than in normal neonates (19.2 gm percent). Secondly, 23 moderately or severly jaundiced babies were investigated to determine the cause of their jaundice. In 15, this was due to ABO or Rh hemolytic disease, prematurity or infection. The remainderr were G6PD deficient but 2 were also premature. This left 6 neonates with unexplained moderate or severe jaundice, all of whom were G6PD deficient. The findings therefore suggest that G6PD deficiency may be an important cause of neonatal jaundice in Jamaica (AU)