Prediction of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Newborns

Abstract

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) reduced activity is a global health problem3. It affects more than 400 million people around the world3. People who have G6PD deficiency are mostly asymptomatic but may experience severe hemolysis and develop jaundice if exposed to certain drugs, infections or ingest fava beans3-7. G6PD is very common in the Kingdom of Bahrain4. In one study, G6PD deficiency was found in 18% of males and 10% of females based on the newborn screening test4.