PREVALANCE OF GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DIFICIENCY IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE HEMOLYSIS AT LATAKIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Sarab Gamee*, Souad Sakkour and Abdulmonem Ghanem

ABSTRACT

Introduction: G6PD deficiency is one of the most common human enzyme defects, affecting more than 500 million people worldwide. It is an X-linked genetic disease that affects males more than females. Severe hemolytic anemia is the most important clinical manifestation of G6PD deficiency, which may be caused by several inciting factors, the most important of which is the consumption of beans. Objectives of the Research: Primary Objective: To determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency as a cause of acute hemolysis in children attending the emergency department aged 6 months to 12 years. Secondary Objectives: Determine the severity of the deficiency. • Identify the most important factors that trigger hemolysis. • Identify the most common clinical manifestations. Methods: A descriptive-cross-sectional observational study during the period from( March 2024 to March 2025) at Lattakia University Hospital- Syria. The study included 115 children who had acute hemolysis and met the inclusion criteria. A detailed medical history was taken and G6PD levels were measured 4 months after the occurrence of a hemolytic episode. Results: Among 115 children with acute hemolysis, cases (57.4%) were diagnosed as G6PD deficiency. Most cases were in males (75.8%) compared to (24.2%) in females. Fava beans were the most common triggering factor for the hemolytic episode. Pallor, jaundice, and dark urine were the most common clinical symptoms. Moderate enzyme deficiency was the most common (62.1%). Conclusion: G6PD deficiency is an important cause of acute hemolysis in children. Diagnosis and appropriate preventive measures should be established.

Keywords: G6PD enzyme, G6PD deficiency, hemolytic anemia, favism.