Hassan Boskabadi, Masoud Omidian, Shahin Mafinejad

Background. Hyperbilirubinemia is a relatively common disorder among infants and one of the most common reasons is glucose- 6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence rate of enzyme deficiency in newborns with jaundice. We also compared clinical and paraclinical values among G6PD- deficient and normal G6PD infants who were admitted in the hospital due to jaundice.

Material and Methods. This prospective descriptive study has been performed on 1568 neonates, with jaundice as a chief complaint, at Ghaem hospital in Mashhad, Iran, in a six- year period. Neonates were screened for G6PD enzyme by the florescent spot method and characteristics such as birth weight, age and weight on admission, hospitalization period, need for exchange and laboratory data [Complete Blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, indirect and direct bilirubin, coombs test and blood type] were recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 13.5 statistical package.

Results. The overall prevalence rate of G6PD deficiency was 5.2% (59/1139 infants) and males were predominated (88.1% vs 11.9%). Significant statistical differences between two groups of normal G6PD and G6PD deficient- neonates, were detected in the age of admission (p=0.001), hematocrit (p=0.000), hospitalization period (p=0.000) and total serum bilirubin (p=0.013). Kernicterus was reported in 6.4% of neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia.

Conclusion. G6PD deficiency is a common enzyme defect among newborns in Iran and may cause severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus. By screening all infants and on-time treatment we can prevent further complications of G6PD deficiency disorder.