Hyperbilirubinemia management in neonates <2000 g screened for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in a tertiary neonatal unit

Background: Prematurity and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are considered important risk factors in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. G6PD screening is performed by many neonatal units to identify this risk factor. Few studies evaluated the role of this screening on the management of hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants during their neonatal hospitalization. This study aims to evaluate effects of G6PD screening on treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in infants Methods: All neonates Results: Included in this retrospective study were 621 infants. About half on included infants were P = 0.01). G6PD deficient infants were treated with more phototherapy than nondeficient group (85.9% vs. 64.5%, P Conclusion: Prevalence of G6PD deficiency among low birth weight infant in the United Arab Emirates is similar to data reported in full-term infants. Screening for G6PD in preterm infant is associated with more treatment using phototherapy and may contribute in preventing severe hyperbilirubinemia.