EXPLORING BIOMARKERS OF ANEMIA IN NEONATES WITH GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY

Background: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzymopathy. It induces haemolytic crises with hyperbilirubinemia in newborns and a consequent anemia. Objective: In this study, we aimed to assess if anemia markers are affected in G6PD deficient newborn in the absence of oxidative attack. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried on in 185 infants aged 7 days and younger in southern Benin. The enzymatic activity of G6PD was assayed with Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Alkaline Phosphatase ALP) activities, Iron, Total Proteins (TP), reticulocytes levels and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Data were analyzed with SigmaPlot Statistical Analysis Software 2014. Mean and Standard Errors on the Mean (SEM) of blood parameters were calculated. Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney Rank Sum test were used to ascertain difference between group characteristics. The study was approved by the national ethics committee. Results: A total of 44 newborns (23.78%) were G6PD deficient. The Minan and Adja ethnic groups were the most affected with a prevalence of 45.45% and 40.00% respectively. The mean level of TP (57.92?2.04 vs. 61.31?5.01), Iron (1.78?0.15 vs. 1.76?0.44) and the enzymatic activity level of PAL (136.76?6.69 vs. 117.33?5.04) and LDH (291.15?19.50 vs. 279.57?69.32) did not vary significantly in severe G6PD deficientneonates compared to normal. Conclusion: Hemolytic anemia biomarker are not affected in G6PD deficiency neonates.