Investigating the Prevalence of Glucose-۶-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G۶PD) Deficiency among Patients with Favism Symptoms in Kerman City, Southern Iran

Background and Aims: Glucose-۶-phosphate dehydrogenase (G۶PD) deficiency is humans’ most common erythrocyte enzyme defect. About ۴۰۰ million people are estimated to be affected by this disorder worldwide. Antimalarial drugs, especially primaquine, and other oxidative stress, can cause hemolytic complications in G۶PD deficient individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of G۶PD deficiency in Kerman City in southern Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from ۲۰۱۶ to ۲۰۲۱. Blood samples were taken from all patients with symptoms of G۶PD deficiency who were referred to a general hospital in Kerman City in southern Iran. The G۶PD enzyme activity was measured qualitatively by fluorescent spot test. Results: A total of ۶۳۶۹ patients were included in this study. G۶PD deficiency was seen in ۴۲۴ (۶.۷%) subjects. Of ۴۲۴ patients, ۳۵۹ (۸۴.۷%) were severely G۶PD deficient, and ۶۵ (۱۵.۳%) patients exhibited partial deficiency. G۶PD deficiency was seen in ۳۲۴ (۹.۳%) males and ۱۰۰ (۳.۴%) females (p < ۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The results of our study confirmed the existence of G۶PD deficiency in a significant percentage of patients in Kerman City. Therefore, many people in this city are exposed to hemolytic complications if they use antimalarial drugs and other oxidative substances. According to our results, testing G۶PD deficiency and monitoring the potential primaquine toxicity in patients who receive primaquine are highly recommended.

Keywords:

Deficiency , Favism , G۶PD , Kerman , Iran