Screening for Glucose-6-Phosphate Deficiency in Newborns of a Tertiary Hospital

Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is by far the most common genetic disorder in India. In India we don't have any neonatal screening programme for this disorder. The present study is planned to screen inborn neonates for G6PD deficiency.

Present study was carried out in the Neonatal Services Division, Department of Pediatrics, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. The study enrolled 1660 neonates with gestation of >34 weeks and birth weight of >2 kg. Baseline data and blood sample from every neonate was collected on screening card and time resolved fluoroimmunoassay described by Beutler was used. Positive cases on screening test were confirmed by cytochemical assay test.

Prevalence of neonatal jaundice in G6PD deficiency group was very high (45.45%) as compared to G6PD normal (3.88%) group (P <0.001). In our study, 11 newborns (7 males and 4 females) were found to have G6PD deficiency. Overall incidence was 0.66%. Female to male ratio was 1:1.75. Neonatal jaundice was present in 5 newborns, which needed phototherapy.

We concluded that G6PD deficiency in neonate is important risk factor for neonatal jaundice. It is also a risk factor for hemolysis and jaundice in later life. By screening we can intensify newborns at risk for severe hyperbilirubinemia.