Screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency using a modified formazan method: a pilot study on Filipino male newborns.
BACKGROUND
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency has increased prevalence rates in tropical Africa, tropical and subtropical Asia and some parts of the Mediterranean. Earlier studies on G6PD deficiency in the Philippines have shown prevalence rates of 4.5% to 25.7%.


METHODS
In the present study, 3278 male newborns were screened for G6PD deficiency using the modified formazan method, a simple screening procedure affordable in the setting of a developing country. Subjects with positive screening results were recalled for confirmatory testing using a commercial assay kit for quantitative enzyme determination.


RESULTS
Of the 3278 boys studied, 186 revealed positive screening results. Of the 186, 65 boys had confirmatory testing. Of these 65 boys, 45 were confirmed to have G6PD deficiency and 20 had normal results. This study reveals an incidence of G6PD deficiency of 3.9% among male Filipinos.


CONCLUSIONS
This study recommends the inclusion of G6PD deficiency in the panel of disorders for newborn screening among Filipino newborns.
Padilla
Carmencita
C
Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines. carpadil@fastmail.i-next.net
Nishiyama
Kaoru
K
Shirakawa
Taku
T
Matsuo
Masafumi
M
D005562:Formazans; D005955:Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects
D005562:Formazans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents