Pyruvate kinase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase deficiencies and neonatal-jaundice in Basrah, Iraq

Abstract EN

Hyperbilirubinemia is « common problem ofterm and preterm neonates.

Two hundred four jaundiced neonates admitted ٠؛ Basrah Maternity and Childrens Hospital over a 6-month period were studied to determine the frequency of pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and glutathione reduc-tase (GSSG-R) deficiency.

Forty two neonates (20.5%) had PKdeficiency, 68 (33.3%) G6PD deficiency and40 (19.

6 %) GSSG-R deficiency.

Interaction of more than one enzymopathy’ was found in 36 neonates (17.

6 %).

Other hemolytic causes ofjaundice were ABO incompatibility in 50 (24.

5 %) of neonates and Rh.

incompatibility in 18 (8.

8 %).

In 38 neonates no cause of jaundice was identi-[ted.

There was a statistically signif icant increase in the frequency of G6PD deficiency and more titan one enzymopathy with increasing severity ofjaundice.

The high-estfrequency ofkenricterus was found in those with more than one enzymopathy.

Red cell enzymopathies are an important cause‘ ofjaun-dice in Iraqi neonates and the presence of more than one enzymopathy carries a greater risk of developing severe jaundice.