Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia

The aim of this article is to investigate the prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and to compare the clinical presentation and course of G6PD-deficient and normal patients. This study included a total of 624 term neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia from March 2001 to September 2004. Birth weight, sex, weight at admission, serum bilirubin at admission, maximum bilirubin, phototherapy duration, duration of hospitalization and the need for exchange transfusion were recorded. Laboratory evaluations included blood group typing of mother and newborn, complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, serum total and direct bilirubin, direct coombs test, reticulocyte count, serum-free T4 and TSH, urine analysis, urinary reducing substance and erythrocyte G6PD level. The analysis of the results indicated that 24 neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia were G6PD-deficient. No statistically significant difference was detected between G6PD-deficient and normal groups in relation to the time of onset of jaundice, reticulocyte count, hematocrit level, phototherapy duration and duration of hospitalization. Serum bilirubin at admission, maximum serum bilirubin level and the need for exchange transfusion were higher in G6PD-deficient group. From this study our conclusion is that the G6PD deficiency is a common enzyme defect causing severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia which may result in kernicterus. Early neonatal screening programmes should be instituted in countries where the deficiency is prevalent.