RED CELL GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY - NEWLY RECOGNIZED CAUSE OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE + KERNICTERUS IN CANADA

  • 1 January 1964
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 91  (24) , 1243-+
Abstract
Seven male newborns of Chinese, Greek and Italian origin presented with severe hemolytic jaundice due to red cell glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency. In 5, the hemolysis was precipitated by inhalation of mothball vapors in the home. Kernicterus was evident upon admission in 6 infants and was fatal in 4 of these. G-6-PD deficiency should be suspected as a cause of jaundice in all full-term male infants of these ethnic groups. The diagnosis can be confirmed in any hospital by the methemoglobin reduction test. In areas similar to Toronto, Canada, where these high-risk ethnic groups prevail, the following measures are recommended: (1) detection of G-6-PD deficient newborns by screening cord bloods of all infants of these ethnic groups; (2) protection of affected infants from potentially hemolytic agents such as naphthalene, certain vitamin K preparations, and sulfonamides; and (3) observation of serum bilirubin levels to assess the need for exchange transfusion for hyperbilirubinemia.