Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and sickle-cell trait among blood donors: Revisited after 10 years in the same institute

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) are the most common causes of inherited hemolytic anemia in Saudi Arabia. Due to high prevalence, some blood transfusion services perform routine blood donor screening for hemoglobin S (HbS) and G6PD enzyme assay. This study was conducted to reassess the prevalence of these disorders after 10 years of the last published report from the same institute. In addition, the utility of donor screening for sickle trait status was also reviewed. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study has utilized archived data of all blood donors between April 2016 and June 2016. All blood donors who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for blood donation during the study period were enrolled in this study. They all answered a standardized medical questionnaire and have been clinically examined by the blood bank medical staff as well. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All donors' samples were tested for sickle-cell trait (SCT) by HbS solubility test and capillary electrophoresis and for G6PD enzyme activity by fiuorescent spot test. All investigations were completed within 24 h after blood collection and processed based on the standardized procedures which have been fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists. RESULTS: Of the 2748 blood donors' samples, there were 2701 (98.3%) males and 47 (1.7%) females. SCT was present in 41 (1.49%), G6PD was detected in 80 (2.91%), and 14 (0.50%) donors were positive for both conditions. All the donors with positive results for both conditions were males. CONCLUSION: The utility of donor screening for SCT in the central region of KSA is questionable due to the low prevalence of SCT carrier among blood donors and increase of public awareness about HbS carrier status due to wide implementation of premarital screening program for sickle cell and thalassemia. In the same manner, screening of G6PD deficiency should be restricted only to high-risk recipient such as premature neonates.