Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Distribution among Neonates Referred to Health Centers of Iranshahr, 2008

Introduction & G6PD is an enzyme interfering with glucose metabolism, preventing hemoglobin changes, and protecting cell membranes of red blood cells. People with this enzyme deficiency experience hemolytic attacks in case of oxidant consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of G6PD deficiency in Iranshahr. In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, blood samples were collected on a special filter paper from 430 newborns referring to Iranshahr health centers by cluster sampling from October to February 2008. The G6PD deficiency activity was measured by fluorescent spot test. The data was analyzed by Chi-square and descriptive tests using the SPSS software. From the total 430 neonates, 204 were girls and 226 were boys. The G6PD deficiency was %37.8 for all participants. 47 samples (11.4%) had absolute deficiency and 108 samples (26.4%) had relative deficiency. Relationship between frequency of sex and the disease was significant (p= 0.01). No significant relationship was found between G6PD and family history (p=0.5), consanguineous marriage (p=0.3), allergy among family members (p=0.06) and jaundice in newborns (p=0.1). Given the frequency of this disease, results revealed that G6PD deficiency in Iranshahr is more than the global prevalence (%10-14.9).Because screening test is chip and uncomplicated, it is suggested to perform this test at birth to diagnose the relatively or completely deficient samples to prevent the further complications and treatment costs due to this deficiency.