Frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in some ethnic groups of Pakistan.

Abstract

To determine the frequency of G6PD deficiency in young healthy adult males of some ethnic groups in Pakistan. Descriptive study. Study performed in Combined Military Hospital, Attock in collaboration with Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi from October 2003 to January 2004. Asymptomatic and healthy adult males were included in the study. A brief clinical record including age, ethnic group, place of residence, and history of past illnesses including fever, episodes of recurrent jaundice were recorded. Met-hemoglobin reduction test for G6PD screening was performed. Hemoglobin, red cell indices and total leukocyte count of G6PD deficient cases were measured on Sysmex KX 32 hematology analyzer. Three thousand adult males with age between 17 years to 23 years were screened. G6PD deficiency was detected in 1.8%. Deficiency state was 1.07% in Kashmiris, 1.47% in Punjabis, 2.77% in Sindhis, and 3.17% in Pathans. Past history of recurrent jaundice was present in 5.7%. Mild anemia was present in 3.8%. Frequency of G6PD deficiency was 1.8% in young healthy adults with insignificant difference among various ethnic groups except in Pathans.