Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Screening in Male Newborns at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria

This study screens for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in male newborns at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria. G6PD deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency in Nigeria, predisposing affected individuals to acute haemolytic anaemia triggered by oxidative stress from infections, medications, and certain foods. A prospective cross-sectional newborn screening study was conducted involving 300 male newborns delivered consecutively over four months. Cord blood samples were analysed for G6PD enzyme activity using the fluorescent spot test, with confirmation by quantitative spectrophotometric assay for positive samples. Maternal interview data on family haemolytic history and G6PD status were collected. G6PD deficiency was identified in 18.3 percent of male newborns, consistent with reported prevalence ranges in Igbo populations. No significant association was found between maternal age, parity, or gestational age and deficiency status. Of the mothers of deficient newborns, only 23 percent were aware of their son's potential risk and the relevant avoidance strategies. The study reinforces the case for universal newborn G6PD screening at all delivery centres in Imo State, the importance of discharge counselling for parents of affected neonates, and the development of a regional newborn screening registry linked to paediatric and haematology follow-up services. Keywords: G6PD deficiency, newborn screening, haemolysis, Owerri, enzyme deficiency.