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Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
13:13

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia

Published on: August 24, 2011

Hyperbilirubinemia among African American, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient neonates

Michael Kaplan1, Marguerite Herschel, Cathy Hammerman

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, PO Box 3525, Jerusalem 91031, Israel. kaplan@cc.huji.ac.il

Pediatrics
|August 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

African American neonates with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency face a higher risk of hyperbilirubinemia and require more phototherapy. Vigilant monitoring is crucial for these G-6-PD-deficient infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is common in African Americans.
  • The risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in this population has not been prospectively evaluated.
  • G-6-PD deficiency can lead to hemolytic anemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia risk in G-6-PD-deficient African American neonates versus G-6-PD-normal controls.
  • To assess the need for phototherapy in these groups.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of healthy, term/near-term male African American neonates.
  • G-6-PD testing via umbilical cord blood.
  • Hemolysis assessed by end-tidal carbon monoxide (ETCOc); bilirubin levels and phototherapy needs monitored.

Main Results:

  • 12.8% of 500 neonates were G-6-PD-deficient.
  • G-6-PD-deficient neonates showed higher ETCOc levels, indicating increased hemolysis.
  • Significantly higher incidence of hyperbilirubinemia (21.9% vs 6.7%) and phototherapy (20.3% vs 5.7%) in G-6-PD-deficient infants.

Conclusions:

  • G-6-PD-deficient African American neonates have increased hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia risk.
  • These infants require more phototherapy compared to G-6-PD-normal infants.
  • Vigilant monitoring for hyperbilirubinemia is recommended for G-6-PD-deficient newborns.
Abstract

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