Erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency-induced anaemia in children in Jos, North-Central Nigeria.

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD), a common inherited enzyme defect, associated with severe neonatal anaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia, can result in permanent neurologic damage or death. Prevalence of G6PDD-induced anaemia in vulnerable groups, like children, is not known in our setting. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of erythrocyte G6PDD-induced anaemia among children aged 0-5 years old seen at Jos University Teaching Hospital, North-Central Nigeria. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from February to June 2023. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and haemoglobin levels were analysed colourimetrically. Data were analysed; Results: Out of 100 children aged 0-5 years (54 male, 46 female), 40 (40%) were G6PD deficient. Nineteen (35.2%) of the G6PD-deficient children were male and 21 (45.7%) were female. Fifty-one (51%) children were anaemic, 23 (57.5%) were G6PDD-induced; 85 (85%) of the parents had no knowledge of G6PD and its deficiency. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of G6PDD-induced anaemia among children in Jos. This suggests that there may be a need for early routine G6PD screening in children for early detection and proper intervention in those with the deficiency. What this study adds: This study has objectively established high prevalence of anaemia, G6PDD and G6PDD-induced anaemia in children aged 0-5 years in Jos, Nigeria, highlighting the importance of G6PD screening in children.