Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among children attending federal medical center, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study focuses on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a hereditary disease with a sex-linked recessive pattern leading to abnormally low levels of G6PD. The condition is primarily associated with drug and infection-induced hemolytic anemia, neonatal jaundice, and related consequences. The absence of locally sourced evidence-based data has contributed significantly to the elevated mortality rate observed in children affected by G6PD deficiency. As a result, the main objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among children attending the Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Over 6 months, a study was conducted at the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria. The study involved 150 children of both sexes, aged between 1 and 10 years, whose G-6-PD status was previously unknown. With the consent of their parents, the children underwent screening for G6PD deficiency, and qualitative data were collected from the parents. G6PD deficiency was identified using standard procedures. Results: The study included 150 children between 1 and 10 years old. Of these, 68 (45.5%) were females, and 82 (54.7%) were males. The study findings indicated that 31 subjects (20.7%) were found to have G6PD deficiency. Notably, a higher percentage of males, 82 (54.7%), had G6PD deficiency compared with 68 (45.5%) females. Furthermore, the research revealed that a significant proportion of G6PD deficient children 16 (35.6%) were within the age range of 1–2 years. Conclusion: The results of this research emphasize the importance of critical stakeholders directing their efforts toward establishing an effective mechanism to improve early detection and management of G6PD deficient children.