Deficiência de G-6-PD nos recém-nascidos de Uberaba, MG: [carta ao editor] / G-6-PD deficiency in neonates in Uberaba, MG: [letter to editor]

ABSTRACT

Glucose 6-Phosphate desidrogenase (G-6-PD) is a cytoplasmicenzyme present in all cells whose main function, in erythrocytes, isto protect against oxygen free radicals, through the production ofNADPH. G-6-PD deficiency is the most common enzymopathy inhuman beings, affecting about 2 to 3% of the population worldwide.The necessity of neonatal screening of G-6-PD has been discussedin Brazil because of this high frequency. We used the Intercientíficatest, which utilizes G-6-PD and in the presence of NAD, catalyzesthe oxidation of G-6-P to 6-fosfogluconato. The NADPH producedis kinetically measured at 340 nm, correcting the enzymatic activityaccording to the concentration of the Hb at 405 nm. As controls,lyophilized erythrocytes were used. The samples were collected fromthe umbilical cord in EDTA. Of the 506 samples that were analyzed,44 presented activity of the G-6-PD of more than 17.1 U/gHb (91.5%)were compatible with normal enzymatic activity; 33 (females) and01 (male) with activity between 5.7 and 17.1 U/gHb (6.5%) werecompatible with partial deficiency and 10 (male) with less than 5.7U/gHb enzymatic activity (1.9%), compatible with total deficiency.With these results we concluded that partial and total deficiency ofG-6-PD in the city of Uberaba is 8.4%.