Evaluation of the prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, an X-linked disorder that is more common in males, is the most prevalent blood enzyme deficiency, affecting 5% of the population worldwide. Its prevalence in Saudi Arabia varies greatly from one region to another (4.7% to 12%), and no related data are available for the country’s Al-Qassim region.MethodsThis was a retrospective medical record-based study. Eligible patients were those who visited Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, between June 2021 and November 2022, and underwent the test for G6PD enzyme deficiency. The study sample consisted of (n = 313) randomly selected Saudi patients. G6PD enzyme activity was evaluated using spectrophotometry.ResultsThe prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 2.9%. The proportion of male patients (100%) was significantly higher than that of female patients. 88.9% of patients with G6PD deficiency experienced episodes of acute hemolysis and reported a history of favism, whereas 77.8% of the patients had a family history of favism.ConclusionThe prevalence of G6PD deficiency was low in Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.