NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA AND ITS CORRELATION WITH G6PD ENZYME DEFICIENCY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN GUJARAT

Background: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the commonest abnormal physical findings in the new borns. Although, not a major cause of neonatal mortality, its morbidity during neonatal period makes its early recognition and management important. Amongst the various etiological factors, G-6-PD enzyme deficiency is one of the important causes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify incidence of G-6-PD enzyme deficiency among hyperbilirubinemic neonates & to know about particular caste involved in the studied area. Methods: In the present study neonates were tested and analysed by a micromethod (based on classical methhemoglobin reduction test) which requires only 20 µl of blood in a minimal laboratory set up as a routine investigation. Influence of various other etiological factors i.e. mode of delivery, birth weight, consangious marriages etc. on neonatal serum bilirubin level were also analysed. Results: Most of neonates (81.2%) having G-6-PD deficiency were male. Bhanushali (17.85%) and Muslim (11.6%) caste showed higher incidence of G-6-PD deficiency. ABO Incompatibility and Prematurely were associated with 32.6% and 30.6% G-6-PD deficiency neonates respectively. Conclusion: The present study concludes that higher incidence of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in G-6-P.D deficient neonates due to clustering of casts in some geographical areas of Gujarat. Key worlds: G-6-PD, Hyperbilirubinemia, Prematurity, Methhemoglobin.