Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and its relationship with severity of hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia and to find the association between level of G6PD deficiency and severity of hyperbilirubinemia. Study Design: Cross sectional Descriptive study Place and Duration: Hematology and Pediatrics Departments of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore from November 1st, 2012 to January 1st, 2014. Methodology: We included 100 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia after excluding the other risk factors. Initially screening for G6PD deficiency done with qualitative methods and deficient neonates were confirmed with quantitative method. History, examination and investigations like routine hematological investigations and total and direct bilirubin, Coomb’s test, G6PD qualitative and quantitative assay were done in all subjects. Results: Out of 100 neonates 6% were G6PD deficient and in majority jaundice appeared on third day. For G6PD deficient neonates maternal age was found to be higher (29.83±1.17 years) as compared to that for normal G6PD neonates. Bilirubin was higher with a mean value of 24.48±7.0 mg/dl and platelets were lower in deficient group with a mean value of 166.33±58.64 x 109/L. Conclusion: In newborns presenting with neonatal jaundice, screening for G6PD deficiency should be considered. There is association between lower enzyme activity and hyperbilirubinemia, and an early recognition followed by treatment to avoid complications is advisable.