Erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase status of newborns and adults in eastern Libya

One hundred and twenty cord and 320 venous blood samples were collected from Libyan newborns and adults respectively for the estimation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity by a screening technique and by quantitative estimation. The mean (S.D.) enzyme activity in the non-deficient neonates and adults was 1.13 (0.23) and 0.87 (0.21) IU/ml RBC/min respectively. The incidence of G-6-PD deficiency in the male population was 2.8%. The enzyme activity in the deficient male population ranged from 0-19.5%; none of them was symptomatic or had haematological abnormality. Of the female subjects 1.8% had enzyme activity of 50-65%. The frequency of enzyme deficiency appears to be low compared with that found in other Arab populations and is comparable with the incidence in other mediterranean countries.