Prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in People Visiting Health Care Center, KFU, Al-Hasa

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in people visiting Health Care Center of King Faisal University (KFU), Al-Hasa.

Study Design: Observational / Descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Health Care Center, KFU, Al-Hasa, from August 2014 to April 2015.

Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with weakness and anemia were included in the study. Total 214 patients, consisting of 116 children (age 3 to14 years) and 98 adults (age 15 to 50 years), were screened. The blood samples were analyzed by using “G6P-DH Fluorescence Screening Test”. This kit detects fluorescence under U/V lamp if the sample has G6PD activity.

Results: Total 36 (16.8%) of the 214 patients, tested, were deficient for G6PD. Among those deficient patients, 15 (7%) were children (11 males and 4 females), and 21 (9.8%) were adults (13 males and 8 females). The highest prevalence of G6PD-deficiency occurred among adults, particularly males.