Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme essential for basic cellular functions, including protection of red cell proteins from oxidative damage. G6PD deficiency is the most common red cell enzyme abnormality associated with hemolysis as well as with neonatal jaundice, kernicterus, and even death. It plays a protective role against malaria. It is a genetically inherited sex-linked abnormality.
Objectives: To determine the age, sex, and different community-wise incidence of G6PD deficiency in neonatal subjects having neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Materials and Methods: This study was carried out among 170 neonates at Biochemistry Department of B.J. Medical College & Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, between August 2007 and July 2009.
Results: Of 170 neonates, 123 were males and 47 were females, and 18 neonates showed deficiency of G6PD in red cells. Parsi community had highest incidence of G6PD enzyme deficiency. Muslim community had higher incidence than Hindu community because of consanguineous marriages. Of total 18 G6PD enzymedeficient subjects, 11 were early neonates and 7 were late neonates. Of these 11 G6PD enzymedeficient early neonates, 5 were 6-day old. Highest incident was found on 2-day-old neonates.
Conclusion: The G6PD-deficient neonates are prone to a greater incidence of neonatal jaundice. Methylene blue reduction test is useful screening procedure, so the quantitative enzyme assay must be used for a definitive diagnosis of G6PD deficiency.
Key words: Enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
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