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Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Neonates: A Case-Control Study
Umama B Fatima1, Husna Yoosuf2, Mariam E Mohamed3
1Department of Medicine, Emirates Health Services (EHS), Ras Al Khaimah, ARE.
Insights
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is linked to neonatal jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia. This study identified male sex, ethnicity, and family history as key risk factors, highlighting the need for early screening.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a prevalent inherited enzymatic disorder.
- It is a significant risk factor for severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, commonly known as jaundice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify baseline risk factors associated with G6PD deficiency in neonates.
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes in neonates diagnosed with G6PD deficiency.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 150 neonates (50 G6PD-deficient cases, 100 controls).
- Comparison of demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests.
- Statistical significance was set at p <0.05.
Main Results:
- G6PD deficiency showed significant associations with male sex, ethnicity, and family history (p <0.001).
- Clinical outcomes included higher rates of jaundice, prolonged hospital stays, and increased phototherapy requirements in deficient neonates.
- Significantly higher total bilirubin and lower G6PD enzyme levels were observed in cases versus controls.
Conclusions:
- G6PD deficiency is strongly associated with specific risk factors and adverse clinical outcomes in neonates.
- Findings underscore the importance of considering G6PD deficiency in the context of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
- Early identification and management strategies are crucial for affected newborns.
Abstract:
Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common inherited enzymatic disorder and a major risk factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This study aims to identify baseline risk factors and evaluate clinical outcomes associated with G6PD deficiency in neonates. Methods A case-control study was conducted, including 150 neonates, comprising 50 G6PD-deficient cases and 100 controls. Demographic characteristics, clinical variables, and laboratory parameters were compared between groups. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square (χ²) tests, and continuous variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Significant associations were observed between G6PD deficiency and male sex, ethnicity, family history of G6PD deficiency, prolonged hospital stay, phototherapy requirement, and presence of jaundice (p <0.001). G6PD-deficient neonates had significantly higher total bilirubin levels and lower G6PD enzyme levels compared with controls. No significant associations were found with gestational age, feeding type, mode of delivery, or maternal and fetal complications. Conclusions G6PD deficiency was significantly associated with key risk factors like male gender, ethnicity, family history of G6PD, and clinical outcomes, including neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, prolonged hospitalization, and increased phototherapy requirement.
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