Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and sickle cell trait among blood donors in Riyadh

Abstract

Background and Aims:Blood donation from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient and sickle cell trait (SCT) donors might alter the quality of the donated blood during processing, storage or in the recipient's circulatory system. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and SCT among blood donors coming to King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh. It was also reviewed the benefits and risks of transfusing blood from these blood donors.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1150 blood samples obtained from blood donors that presented to KKUH blood bank during the period April 2006 to May 2006. All samples were tested for Hb-S by solubility test, alkaline gel electrophoresis; and for G6PD deficiency, by fluorescent spot test.Results:Out of the 1150 donors, 23 (2%) were diagnosed for SCT, 9 (0.78%) for G6PD deficiency and 4 (0.35%) for both conditions. Our prevalence of SCT and G6PD deficiency is higher than that of the general population of Riyadh.Conclusion:We recommend to screen all units for G6PD deficiency and sickle cell trait and to defer donations from donors with either of these conditions, unless if needed for special blood group compatibility, platelet apheresis or if these are likely to affect the blood bank inventory. If such blood is to be used, special precautions need to be undertaken to avoid complications in high-risk recipients.

Marked regional variations in the prevalence of sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia in Saudi Arabia: Findings from the premarital screening and genetic counseling program

“…Prevalence studies published before [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and after [11][12][13][14][15][16] the PMS&GC program suggested that the higher prevalence of sickle cell disease and b-thalassemia are not evenly distributed in SA. With the exception of a few studies [10,12,13], most studies covered only isolated regions in SA.…”

Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and the role of the A− variant in a Saudi population

“…9 Saudi Arabia is a large country, with $16.5 million people living in an area of 2 149 690 km, and research has reported the frequency of G6PD deficiency among Saudi populations in different regions of the country. 10 Alabdulaali et al 11 reported a frequency of G6PD deficiency of 1.13% in blood donors in the capital city Riyadh, and the rate was found to be 1.91% in the rural city of Al-Kharj. 12 In studies in the major cities Najran, Riyadh and Bisha, 13 Al-Ula 13,14 and Makkah, 15 G6PD deficiency ranged in frequency from 3.5 to 6.7%.…”

An Assessment of Frequent Haemolytic Crisis in G6PD Deficiency Subjects Linked with Chronic Disease States in Al Ahsa Community, Saudi Arabia

“…In Saudi Arabia, several studies have shown that different frequencies of the disease exist in different region [3]. However, in eastern region communities, evidence shows that the disorder does exist and appears to be high in prevalence as well [8].…”

“…The disease is a characteristic genetic enzymic disorder of RBC, which predisposes the cells to oxidative injury [1] [2]. The deficiency is believed to be caused by mutation in the G6PD gene, an X-linked hereditary genetic defect [3] often predominant in males [4]. Reports have shown that about 400 million people are affected worldwide and it is highly polymorphic [5]- [7].…”

“…The prevalence of G6PD disorder has been reported in many areas of the world including the Middle East [8] [9]. It was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 1965 [10] and evidence from other studies has shown that G6PD deficiency occurs in all provinces of Saudi Arabia and particularly in the eastern region [3] [11]. Because there is no routine testing to identify subjects who carry this deficient gene, most people became aware only when there is a crisis either to drugs or to food.…”