Determination of Optimal Cut-Off Values of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To define mean cut-off values of glucose-6-phosphate enzyme activity.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hematology Laboratory of Shifa International Hospital. Individuals diagnosed with suspected or confirmed G6PD deficiency based on clinical presentation and/or laboratory tests were included. G6PD enzyme activity was quantitatively assessed in whole blood samples using SD Biosensor STANDARD G6PD kits. ROC curve analysis is used to establish the G6PD enzyme cut-off levels.

Results: A total of 120 participants were enrolled in this study. The study included newborns (aged 0-1 month) comprising 1 individual (0.8%), infants (aged 1 month to 1 year) containing 2 individuals (1.7%), pediatric age group (aged 1 year to 12 years) comprising 44 individuals (36.7%), and adults (aged >13 years) comprising 73 individuals (60.8%). Among the male population, 4.30 U/g Hb was established as the cut-off value between normal and deficient individuals. In the female population, 6.50 U/g Hb and 5.45 U/g Hb were established as cut-off values to discriminate between normal, intermediate, and deficient females.

Conclusion: It is crucial to establish the expected values of G6PD enzyme levels for any population to make a definitive diagnosis. In this study, G6PD enzyme cut-off values were determined for our local population.

Key words: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PD Deficiency, G6PD, Enzyme Assays, Cut-off values.