GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY IN JAUNDICED NEONATES

Objectives: To detect the frequency of G-6-PD deficiency in 200 consecutive neonates admitted with jaundice to the neonatal unit, LRH, Peshawar. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the Neonatal Unit of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from March 2009 to August 2009. Two hundred consecutive cases of neonatal jaundice of both sexes, admitted to the Neonatal Unit, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar were enrolled in the study. Detailed history and clinical examination was recorded. All the neonates were subjected to be estimation of Serum Bilirubin levels (Total, Direct and Indirect), G-6-PD detection via Hemolysate Decolorization time test and blood groups of both the mother and the baby besides looking at the peripheral smears and other relevant investigations. Results: Out of the 200 icteric neonates, 145 (72.5%) were males while 55 (27.5%) were females. Thirty two (16%) babies were found to be G-6-PD deficient. No specific precipitating factor for haemolysis was found. Majority of the patients 188 (94%) presented with neonatal jaundice in the first week of life, while the age of presentation amongst the G-6-PD deficient neonates was between 2nd to 4th day of life. An Indirect serum bilirubin level of 9 to 40mg%> was found in these G-6-PD deficient neonates. Conclusion: G-6-PD deficiency is a common cause of neonatal jaundice and has more preponderance for male sex. Babies suffering from G-6-PD deficiency present with jaundice relatively earlier than the other causes of neonatal jaundice like ABO/Rh incompatibility and idiopathic causes.