Prevalence of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency among Male Donors in Shiraz, Southern Iran

The overall incidence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Iranian population is estimated around 10%-14.9%. G6PD deficiency is an X-linked disorder and 80% of donors are usually male. At present, donors’ blood is not routinely screened for G6PD deficiency in Iran blood bank where for detecting such enzyme deficiency, reliance is placed on pre-donation data. Thus, the G6PD deficient blood may be transfused to G6PD deficient premature neonates, resulting in prolonged or severe hyperbilirubinemia. Fluorescent spot method was used to determine G6PD deficiency in 450 blood samples collected from male donors stored less than 7 days. This was followed by the pre-donation questionnaires for the history of previous diseases or jaundice. Of which 27 (6%) samples were G6PD deficient. None of the donors tested for G6PD deficiency recalled, and stated in their pre-donation questionnaires, any history of previous diseases or jaundice. Six percent G6PD deficiencies among the male donors in Shiraz blood bank was a noteworthy prevalence, which was independent of the pre-donation questionnaires. Therefore, regardless of the questioners'' data, it was recommended to screen the blood bags for this enzyme prior to use for simple or exchange transfusion in premature infants.