Neonatal bilirubin levels and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in preterm and low-birth-weight infants in Israel.

Eight hundred preterm (PT) and low-birth-weight (LBW) infants, born during a period of 33 months, were examined for erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity. Each of 17 infants with G6PD deficiency was compared with the next PT or LBW infant born with normal enzyme activity. The groups were similar with respect to gestational age, birth weight, maximal weight loss, breast or formula feeding and the use of oxytocin during labor. Peak bilirubin levels were significantly higher in G6PD-deficient PT and LBW infants (11.7 +/- 1.4 vs. 9.5 +/- 2.1 mg/dl, P less than 0.001). There were no signs of frank hemolysis, and none of the patients underwent exchange transfusion. Early jaundice and the use of phototherapy were somewhat more frequent among the G6PD-deficient group, but not significantly so. It is suggested that PT and LBW infants born to parents of Asian or North African origin be routinely screened for erythrocyte G6PD activity and monitored for possible jaundice.