title: Comparison of quantitative and qualitative tests for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the neonatal period.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Considering the high prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency among newborns, different screening methods have been established in various countries. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among newborns in Rasht, Iran, and compare G6PD activity in cord blood samples, using quantitative and qualitative tests.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional, prospective study was performed at five largest hospitals in Rasht, Guilan Province, Iran. The screening tests were performed for all the newborns, referred to these hospitals. Specimens were characterized in terms of G6PD activity under ultraviolet light, using the kinetic method and the qualitative fluorescent spot test (FST). We also determined the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the qualitative assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Blood samples were collected from 1474 newborns. Overall, 757 (51.4%) subjects were male. As the findings revealed, 1376 (93.4%) newborns showed normal G6PD activity, while 98 (6.6%) had G6PD deficiency. There was a significant difference in the mean G6PD level between males and females (P = 0.0001). Also, a significant relationship was detected between FST results and the mean values obtained in the quantitative test (P < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the present study, FST showed acceptable sensitivity and specificity for G6PD activity, although it appeared inefficient for diagnostic purposes in some cases.
authors.affiliation: Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.|Cardiology Department & Pharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Keihanian
authors.affiliation: Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.|Radiology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Basirjafari
authors.affiliation: Pediatrics Growth Disorders Research Centre, 17th Shahrivar Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Darbandi
authors.affiliation: Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saeidinia
authors.affiliation: Pediatrics Growth Disorders Research Centre, 17th Shahrivar Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jafroodi
authors.affiliation: Pediatrics Growth Disorders Research Centre, 17th Shahrivar Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharafi
authors.affiliation: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical science, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shakiba
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005955:Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male
keywords: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; fluorescent spot test; qualitative test; quantitative test