Frequency and Distribution of ABO and Rh(D) Blood Groups in Glucose – 6 – Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficient Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study in Uyo, Nigeria

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, an X-linked recessive disorder, is the commonest inherited red cell enzymopathy affecting mankind. It is known to cause severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia that can result in permanent neurologic damage or death. Numerous associations have been reported between ABO and Rh blood groups and increased or decreased susceptibility to diseases, including G6PD deficiency. However, studies on the association between G6PD deficiency and ABO and Rh blood groups have been largely inconsistent and limited.

Aims and Objectives: To estimate the level of G6PD activity among icteric neonates delivered at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital with the view of determining the prevalence of G6PD deficiency as well as to examine the association, if any, between G6PD and ABO and Rh blood types.

Methods: One hundred and fifty neonates were recruited into the study over a period of two years. Screening for G6PD deficiency was carried out using a quantitative in vitro test (Assay Pro) while the ABO and Rh(D) blood group phenotypes were determined using the standard tube method. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 23.0. Chi-square was used for test of significance.

Results: The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency in the icteric neonates was 26.0%. The prevalence in males was 27.0% and 23.1% in females. Majority of the patients were of the O and Rh (D) positive blood types, the frequency and distribution of these blood group phenotypes among the patients were not different from the pattern reported in the general population in our clime. There was no statistically significant association between GGPD deficiency and the ABO and Rh (D) blood types of the patients(p<0.05).

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency in icteric babies delivered at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria. This justifies the need for routine neonatal screening for G6PD deficiency in all healthcare institutions in our environment. The association between G6PD deficiency and ABO and Rh (D) blood types was not statistically significant. However, we recommend that a large multicentre study be conducted in Nigeria and other African countries for the purpose of validating our results.