Hematological findings and severity of G6PD deficiency in Vataliya Prajapati subjects

The present study was undertaken to assess the clinical implication of G6PD deficiency in Vataliya Prajapati (VP) subjects in Surat.

Blood samples of 954 children and 690 adults were collected in camps. Cord blood samples of 57 neonates born to VP mother were also collected. Medical history and other relevant information of all subjects were obtained. Samples were screened for G6PD deficiency by NBT test and the enzyme activity was estimated by WHO method. Hematological parameters were measured on hematology analyzer while reticulocyte count was measured using new methylene blue dye.

The G6PD enzyme deficiency was detected in 27.5% males and 12.8% females. The enzyme levels in deficient subjects suggested class II variant. Hematological studies indicated mild anemia in G6PD deficient persons. Reticulocyte count was slightly raised (p <0.05). Out of eight G6PD deficient neonates one developed mild jaundice. Five deficient male adults gave the history of hemolytic crisis, three of them had typhoid, one tuberculosis and remaining one had fever of unknown origin.

G6PD deficiency in majority of Vataliya Prajapati subjects is of mild type. However it is essential to test every Vataliya Prajapati subject for G6PD deficiency as certain infections and drugs can cause crisis in deficient person.