The prevalence of hemoglobin S and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Jordanian newborn.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of HbS and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Jordanian newborn.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 181 male and female babies born at Princess Basma Teaching Hospital, randomly selected, and cord blood samples were collected, and the erythrocyte G6PD activity was measured, and the hemoglobin electrophoresis for blood lysate was conducted and scanned for HbS scanning.

RESULTS

The frequencies of two major red cell genetic defects, sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and deficiency G6PD was determined, of the studied subjects 10 (11%) females and 11 (12%) males were found to be deficient in the G6PD gene. The frequency of HbS carriers among the females was 4% while it was 6% among males. The coincidence of both G6PD deficiency and sickle cell hemoglobin in the samples was 1%. No coincidence was found between G6PD deficiency and hyperbilirubinemia.

CONCLUSION

A better understanding of the distributions of these genetic disorders has the potential to aid in the more efficient utilization of health care resources and improved planning.