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.