Prevalence and Hematological Characteristics of G6PD Deficiency Among Children at a Tertiary Hospital in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A Three-Year Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Background: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme disorder worldwide and an X-linked hereditary condition that can result in hemolytic anemia, particularly in response to oxidative stress. While G6PD deficiency is prevalent in the Middle East, regional and gender-specific pediatric data remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and hematological profile of G6PD deficiency among children in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,623 children aged 10 years and below who visited the Maternity and Children Hospital in Madinah between January 2020 and January 2023. G6PD status was assessed using a qualitative fluorescent spot test. Hematological parameters including RBC count, Hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (Hct), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26; group comparisons were conducted using independent sample t-tests, with significance set at p≤0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 9.88% (n = 358), with a significantly higher prevalence in males (7.48%) than females (2.40%) (p<0.001). G6PD-deficient children showed reduced Hb (11.39±2.55 g/dL), Hct (38.46±6.22%) and MCH (28.17±1.67 pg), while other red cell indices remained within reference ranges. Hematological parameters were significantly higher in deficient females compared to males (p<0.05). Conclusion: G6PD deficiency is relatively common among children in Madinah and disproportionately affects males. Given its role in neonatal jaundice and hemolytic crises, early detection is critical. The findings support implementing region-wide newborn screening and premarital counseling programs as part of Saudi Arabia’s public health strategy.