The association analysis between Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and susceptibility to common diseases in children.

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the relationship between G6PD deficiency and susceptibility to common pediatric diseases.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on hospitalized children who underwent G6PD screening at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from January 2019 to March 2024.

Results: Among 36,619 children, 20,662 were male. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in males was significantly higher in conditions such as nephritis (OR 2.43,95%CI 1.45-4.21), allergic purpura (OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.24-4.09), patent ductus arteriosus (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.32-3.33), atrial septal defect (OR 2.14, 95%CI 1.41-3.45), ventricular septal defect (OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.12-2.80), and type 1 diabetes (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.16-3.66). Among 15,957 female patients, the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was significantly elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (OR 1.87, 95%CI 1.27-2.70), juvenile arthritis (OR 1.79, 95%CI 1.16-2.68), nephritis (OR 1.72, 95%CI 1.16-2.49), patent ductus arteriosus (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.00-1.61), atrial septal defect (OR 1.33, 95%CI 1.10-1.61), and ventricular septal defect (OR 1.55, 95%CI 1.26-1.91).

Conclusion: G6PD deficiency may increase the risk of autoimmune diseases, congenital heart defects, and type 1 diabetes in children. Further studies are required to elucidate its role in pediatric disease susceptibility and inform clinical management.

Impact: 1. This study found that G6PD deficiency is significantly associated with increased susceptibility to several common pediatric diseases, including autoimmune diseases, congenital heart defects, and type 1 diabetes. Notably, in both male and female patients, G6PD deficiency was significantly linked to specific conditions, such as SLE, juvenile arthritis, and congenital heart disease. 2. Our findings indicate that G6PD deficiency is not merely an enzymatic defect but may also impact the immune and cardiovascular systems. Specifically, an increased incidence of congenital heart disease has been observed in children with G6PD deficiency for the first time.