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Screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency using a modified formazan method: a pilot study on
Carmencita Padilla1, Kaoru Nishiyama, Taku Shirakawa
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines. carpadil@fastmail.i-next.net
Insights
This study found a 3.9% incidence of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Filipino male newborns. Researchers recommend G6PD deficiency screening for all Filipino newborns.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is prevalent in tropical regions, with prior Philippine studies indicating rates from 4.5% to 25.7%.
- Understanding the current incidence of G6PD deficiency is crucial for public health initiatives in the Philippines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency among male newborns in the Philippines.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified formazan screening method for G6PD deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Screened 3278 male newborns for G6PD deficiency using the modified formazan method.
- Recalled 186 newborns with positive screening results for confirmatory testing using a commercial quantitative assay kit.
Main Results:
- Confirmed G6PD deficiency in 45 out of 65 tested newborns.
- Established an incidence rate of 3.9% for G6PD deficiency among the studied male Filipino newborns.
Conclusions:
- The study recommends integrating Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency into the routine newborn screening panel in the Philippines.
- Implementing universal newborn screening for G6PD deficiency can aid in early diagnosis and management.
Background:
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency has increased prevalence rates in tropical Africa, tropical and subtropical Asia and some parts of the Mediterranean. Earlier studies on G6PD deficiency in the Philippines have shown prevalence rates of 4.5% to 25.7%.
Methods:
In the present study, 3278 male newborns were screened for G6PD deficiency using the modified formazan method, a simple screening procedure affordable in the setting of a developing country. Subjects with positive screening results were recalled for confirmatory testing using a commercial assay kit for quantitative enzyme determination.
Results:
Of the 3278 boys studied, 186 revealed positive screening results. Of the 186, 65 boys had confirmatory testing. Of these 65 boys, 45 were confirmed to have G6PD deficiency and 20 had normal results. This study reveals an incidence of G6PD deficiency of 3.9% among male Filipinos.
Conclusions:
This study recommends the inclusion of G6PD deficiency in the panel of disorders for newborn screening among Filipino newborns.