Pediatric Provider Insight Into Newborn Screening for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Genetics
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a significant cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
• Newborn screening for G6PD deficiency is not a standard practice in the United States.
• A novel newborn G6PD screening program was implemented in 2007 at a US urban women's hospital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey pediatric providers on their experiences and influence from a novel newborn G6PD screening program.
• To assess provider perceptions of the screening program's impact on patient management.

Main Methods:

• An electronic survey was distributed to 472 pediatric providers.
• The survey assessed the extent to which providers were influenced by the G6PD screening program.

Main Results:

• 20% of providers (92) responded to the survey.
• 80% of respondents (74) had cared for G6PD-deficient newborns identified by the screening program.
• Most providers found the diagnosis helpful, influencing management decisions like increased counseling on jaundice, follow-up, and avoidance of hemolytic crisis triggers.

Conclusions:

• General pediatric providers express support for newborn G6PD screening.
• The implemented screening program is appreciated by providers.
• Knowledge of G6PD deficiency status positively informed and influenced pediatric providers' patient care.