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Published on: September 25, 2015
Frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in some ethnic groups of Pakistan
Nadir Ali1, Masood Anwar, Mohammad Ayyub
1Department of Pathology, Combined Military Hospital, Attock, Pakistan. nmjrm@hotmail.com
Insights
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was found in 1.8% of young Pakistani males. This study screened 3000 healthy males, noting variations across ethnic groups.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common inherited red blood cell disorder.
- Understanding its prevalence in specific populations is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of G6PD deficiency in young, healthy adult males.
- To analyze the prevalence across different ethnic groups in Pakistan.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted involving 3000 healthy adult males aged 17-23 years.
- The Met-hemoglobin reduction test was used for G6PD screening.
- Clinical data, including ethnic group and medical history, were recorded.
Main Results:
- G6PD deficiency was detected in 1.8% of the screened population.
- Prevalence varied among ethnic groups: 1.07% in Kashmiris, 1.47% in Punjabis, 2.77% in Sindhis, and 3.17% in Pathans.
- A history of recurrent jaundice was noted in 5.7% and mild anemia in 3.8% of participants.
Conclusions:
- The overall frequency of G6PD deficiency in young healthy Pakistani males is 1.8%.
- A statistically insignificant difference in G6PD deficiency was observed among most ethnic groups, with a notable exception in Pathans.
Objective:
To determine the frequency of G6PD deficiency in young healthy adult males of some ethnic groups in Pakistan.
Design:
Descriptive study.
Place And Duration Of Study:
Study performed in Combined Military Hospital, Attock in collaboration with Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi from October 2003 to January 2004.
Patients And Methods:
Asymptomatic and healthy adult males were included in the study. A brief clinical record including age, ethnic group, place of residence, and history of past illnesses including fever, episodes of recurrent jaundice were recorded. Met-hemoglobin reduction test for G6PD screening was performed. Hemoglobin, red cell indices and total leukocyte count of G6PD deficient cases were measured on Sysmex KX 32 hematology analyzer.
Results:
Three thousand adult males with age between 17 years to 23 years were screened. G6PD deficiency was detected in 1.8%. Deficiency state was 1.07% in Kashmiris, 1.47% in Punjabis, 2.77% in Sindhis, and 3.17% in Pathans. Past history of recurrent jaundice was present in 5.7%. Mild anemia was present in 3.8%.
Conclusion:
Frequency of G6PD deficiency was 1.8% in young healthy adults with insignificant difference among various ethnic groups except in Pathans.
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