Journal of North Khorasan

Background & Objectives: Jaundice is a common clinical aspect during infancy which affects term (60%) and preterm (80%) newborns in the first week of life. One of the most common reasons is glucose- 6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency that might increase the risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence rate of enzyme deficiency in newborns with jaundice in North Khorasan. We also compared clinical and paraclinical values and complications among G6PD- deficient and normal G6PD infants who were admitted in the hospital due to jaundice. Materials and Methods: This analytic descriptive study was performed on files of newborns with jaundice. Information of babies who admitted due to jaundice such as perinatal history, clinical and laboratory findings were collected and recorded. Data was compared between two groups of normal G6PD and G6PD deficient- neonates. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 17 statistical package. Results: Among 754 admitted infants with jaundice, we found 24(3.2%) babies with G6PD deficiency. We did not find any significant differences between two groups for variables like birth weight, weight on admission, total serum bilirubin, hematocrit, coombs, hospitalization period whereas a significant statistical difference for reticulocyte was recorded. We did not find any relation between G6PD deficiency and number of blood exchange performing. Conclusion: G6PD deficiency is a common enzyme defect among newborns with hyperbilirubinemia (3.2%) in North Khorasan, Iran and may cause severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus. There was significant difference between two groups for reticulocyte count. By screening all infants in high prevalence places and on-time treatment we can prevent further complications of G6PD deficiency disorder.