Evaluation of G6PD activity and antioxidants status in jaundiced Egyptian neonates

Abstract

Yasser E. Nassef 1*, Hanan A. Fathy2, Alaa Ali1, Manal A. Hamed3, Gihan A. Fathy1

Jaundice with glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common conditions needing medical attention in newborn babies. The aim of the present study was to predict G6PD level and oxidative stress condition among Egyptian jaundiced neonates associated with G6PD deficiency. The study included 60 non-jaundiced neonates and 40 jaundiced cases with G6PD deficiency. All infants were subjected to routine hematological evaluation, total and direct serum bilirubin levels, G6PD assay and oxidative stress markers; malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Out of the 40 G6PD deficient cases, 62% were males and 37% were females. 15 cases had marked G6PD enzyme deficiency and 25 cases recorded moderate deficiency. Highly increase in bilirubin level was observed in marked G6PD deficient cases than in moderate cases. Hematological indices failed to show evidence of frank hemolysis. There was no significant difference between the marked and the moderate G6PD deficient cases; regarding to the time of appearance of jaundice, frequency of using phototherapy, duration of its application, the need for exchange transfusion and the hematological indices. Oxidative stress markers revealed significant changes in G6PD deficient cases as compared to control group. Neonatal jaundice associated with G6PD deficiency is a condition associated with oxidative stress. Since G6PD deficiency seemed to be the common cause of jaundice in this study, early detection of this enzymopathy for possible jaundice control are recommended in at least preterm infants. Also screening for G6PD deficiency is recommended to define the etiology of hyperbilirubinemia.