Objectives: To determine the prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Isfahan, the central state of Iran.
Methods: From February to March 2006, a total of 2501 samples were screened for the quantitative measurement of G6PD activity by enzymatic colorimetric assay by a commercial kit (GAMMA, Belgium). The neonates were referred from 17 delivery units to the Isfahan neonatal screening center at 3-7 days after birth. Any neonate with a value < 6.4 U/gHb was considered G6PD deficient.
Results: Of the 2501 newborns (1307 males, 1194 females) screened, 79 neonates were found to have G6PD deficiency (67 males, 12 females). The overall incidence of G6PD deficiency was 3.2%. Frequency in male population was 5.1 % (67 out of 1307 male neonates) and in female population was 1% (12 out of 1194 female neonates).The female:male ratio was 1:5.5 (P = 0.0001). The mean enzyme activity in deficient patients was 3.22 +/- 1.8 U/gHb (male deficient group; 3.17 +/- 1.74 U/gHb, female deficient group; 3.49 +/- 2.17 U/gHb, P = 0.58).
Conclusion: Routine neonatal screening in Isfahan, Iran with a relatively high prevalence of G6PD deficiency is justified and meets the World Health Organization recommendation.