Implementation and Analysis of a Pilot In-hospital Newborn Screening Program for Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in the United States

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze a targeted screening program for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (G6PDdef) and clinical outcomes of G6PD-deficient vs G6PD normal newborns.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review for 1578 male newborns was performed. The study group was those screened for G6PDdef. Comparisons between G6PD-deficient and normal infants were made with χ (2)-test and unpaired t-test.

Result: A total of 1095 male newborns were screened, 11.1% had G6PDdef. 97.8% of screen results were reported by 48 h. Total bilirubin (TB) levels in deficient infants were significantly higher than in normal infants throughout birth hospitalization and they were more likely to receive phototherapy. Nineteen screened newborns were rehospitalized for hyperbilirubinemia, 47% had G6PDdef.

Conclusion: In-hospital newborn screening for G6PDdef with rapid turnaround time is possible. G6PDdef is a risk factor for hyperbilirubinemia in American newborns. US centers with large at-risk populations can identify newborns at risk for severe hyperbilirubinemia with similar screening.