Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Neonates: A Case-Control Study

Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common inherited enzymatic disorder and a major risk factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This study aims to identify baseline risk factors and evaluate clinical outcomes associated with G6PD deficiency in neonates. Methods A case-control study was conducted, including 150 neonates, comprising 50 G6PD-deficient cases and 100 controls. Demographic characteristics, clinical variables, and laboratory parameters were compared between groups. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square (χ²) tests, and continuous variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Significant associations were observed between G6PD deficiency and male sex, ethnicity, family history of G6PD deficiency, prolonged hospital stay, phototherapy requirement, and presence of jaundice (p <0.001). G6PD-deficient neonates had significantly higher total bilirubin levels and lower G6PD enzyme levels compared with controls. No significant associations were found with gestational age, feeding type, mode of delivery, or maternal and fetal complications. Conclusions G6PD deficiency was significantly associated with key risk factors like male gender, ethnicity, family history of G6PD, and clinical outcomes, including neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, prolonged hospitalization, and increased phototherapy requirement.