Prevalnce of G6PD deficiency amongst healthy blood donors

Abstract

Introduction:Blood donation is very common procedure in clinical practice. Deficiency of G6PD is the most common erythrocyte enzymopathy and has been estimated to affect over 400 million people worldwide that may lead to neonatal jaundice or hemolytic crisis due to drugs or infections. By detecting such problem of deficiency of G6PD enzyme, we can prevent complications of blood transfusion. We can decide in whom to avoid such transfusions. Objectives:To study G6PD deficiency prevalence in healthy blood donors; according to age, sex, ABO blood group and Rh blood Group distribution. Material and methods: Qualitative method by Methaemoglobin Reduction test (MRT) was used for screening of the blood donors for G6PD deficiency. Quantitative test of all positive donors by qualitative method was done by semi-automated G6PD reagent kit. Observational Cross-sectional study involving 1012 healthy blood donors for period of 9 months was done. Results: It was observed that 35 (3.5%) blood donors were G6PD deficient amongst 1012 blood donors. The prevalence rate for G6PD deficiency observed in this study was 3.5%. Conclusion: The observation of 3.5% prevalence of G6PD deficient blood donors in the present study could be taken to consider that the problem of G6PD deficiency exists in the blood donors. It should be of concern as the G6PD deficiency remains obscure, there being no overt clinical manifestation. Prevalence of 3.5% should be taken as serious concern and further more studies are advised for screening of G6PD in healthy blood donors.