Investigating the Prevalence of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency among Patients with Favism Symptoms in Kerman City, Southern Iran

Background and Aims: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is humans’ most common erythrocyte enzyme defect. About 400 million people are estimated to be affected by this disorder worldwide. Antimalarial drugs, especially primaquine, and other oxidative stress, can cause hemolytic complications in G6PD deficient individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Kerman City in southern Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2021. Blood samples were taken from all patients with symptoms of G6PD deficiency who were referred to a general hospital in Kerman City in southern Iran. The G6PD enzyme activity was measured qualitatively by fluorescent spot test. Results: A total of 6369 patients were included in this study. G6PD deficiency was seen in 424 (6.7%) subjects. Of 424 patients, 359 (84.7%) were severely G6PD deficient, and 65 (15.3%) patients exhibited partial deficiency. G6PD deficiency was seen in 324 (9.3%) males and 100 (3.4%) females (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of our study confirmed the existence of G6PD 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 G6PD deficiency and monitoring the potential primaquine toxicity in patients who receive primaquine are highly recommended.