G6PD deficiency among children under 7 years old from Yunnan with unique ethnic minority origin

Objective To investigate the epidemiological status of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency among children from Yunnan with unique ethnic origins.Methods DNA samples from 11 759 children were tested with fluorescent spot test,G6PD/6PGD quantitative ratio assay and hemoglobin electrophoresis.Results The detection rate of G6PD deficiency was 2.5％,for which boys were significantly greater than girls (3.5％ vs.1.4％,P＜0.05).Significant differences were also detected among children from different ethnic groups and different regions.For ethnic Han Chinese,the detection rate was 0.7％,which was lower than the majority of ethnic minorities.By regression analysis,altitude of residence and family history both have significant influence on the calculated rate.Conclusion Occurrence of G6PD deficiency seems to be influenced by gender.It also varies substantially between different ethnic groups as well as regions,e.g.,more common in south.It also showed a declining trend after years of diagnosis and intervention.This survey may provide a valuable basis for counseling of G6PD deficiency in Yunnan. Key words: glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency;  Ethnic minority;  Epidemiology