Screening of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinaemia at 300-Bedded Pyin Oo Lwin General Hospital

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common human enzyme deficiencies in the world. It is particularly common in populations living in malaria-endemic areas, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. This hospital- and laboratory-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among 200 newborns at 300-bedded Pyin Oo Lwin General Hospital during January to March 2017. The participants were 103 girls (58.5%) and 97 boys (41.5%). Both qualitative and quantitative measurements by using Brewer's method and G-SIX kit method were applied for diagnosis of G6PD deficiency. Total serum bilirubin level was measured by Bilirubinometer. Of the 200 newborns, 21(10.5%) were G6PD deficient. The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 10.5% (21/200) and male was predominant than female (17.5% vs 3.9%). Out of 10.5% (21/100)G6PD deficient newborns, 5(23.8%) and 16(76.2%) were mild and moderate G6PD deficiency, respectively. Regarding hyperbilirubinaemia, 9(42.9%), 3(14.3%), 2(19.0%) and 5(23.8%) were severe, moderate and mild hyperbilirubinaemia and normal bilirubin, respectively. This study showed that a significant correlation between the severity of hyperbili- rubinaemia and G6PD activity (p <0.05). Taking into consideration of the above results, the high prevalence can be useful for providing appropriate prevention and early treatment of complications in routine neonatal screening in this area.