Investigation into the Prevalence of G6PD Deficiency in a Pediatric African American Population Using A Near-Patient Diagnostic Platform

A need for rapid G6PD assessment

G6PD deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency in humans, affecting millions worldwide. G6PD-deficient individuals may suffer life-threating complications from hemolysis triggered by certain foods, drugs, and infections. G6PD-deficiency in newborns can lead to high bilirubin levels that in some cases can progress to irreversible brain damage. The World Health Organization recommends screening for G6PD deficiency in populations with a prevalence greater than 3-5%. Prior studies have shown rates of G6PD-deficiency among African Americans, particularly males, can be as high as ~12%. G6PD deficient individuals that are unaware of their status may face lifelong complications of varying severity, highlighting the value of early diagnosis.

A recent study conducted at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta aimed to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among African American pediatric patients, using the FINDER G6PD test. The investigation involved analysis of 200 de-identified whole blood specimens from African American pediatric patients. Study findings revealed a 15.5% and 2.9% prevalence of G6PD deficiency among males and females respectively.

An excerpt from the article:

“Our results reinforce that there may be a significant population of African American patients, especially male, that may not be known to be G6PD-deficient, and that this condition is not being considered when medical decisions are being made about their care.” – Leung-Pineda et al.¹

• 1. Leung-Pineda et al. “Preliminary Investigation into the Prevalence of G6PD Deficiency in a Pediatric African American Population Using a Near-Patient Diagnostic Platform.” Diagnostics 13.24 (2023): 3647.