Prevalence of G6PD deficiency in a large cohort of HIV-infected patients

SummaryBackgroundGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect. Screening for this condition in HIV-infected patients from susceptible ethnic groups is recommended based on expert opinion. Here we determined the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and the occurrence of G6PD-related hemolytic events in a large cohort of patients.MethodsWe identified all HIV-infected adults who presented as new patients at a single urban HIV clinic between 02/01/2007 and 01/31/2009. Demographic and laboratory data including G6PD results were collected. In addition, outpatient and inpatient medical records of G6PD deficient patients were reviewed for episodes of hemolytic anemia.ResultsA total of 1172 patients were identified and G6PD testing was performed in 1110 (94.7%). Overall, 75 (6.8%) subjects had G6PD deficiency. Rates were higher among African Americans (68/699; 9.7%) and Hispanics (5/253; 2.0%). Only one non-Hispanic White subject had G6PD deficiency (1/153; 0.7%). At baseline, hemoglobin concentrations were similar among subjects with or without G6PD deficiency. Among patients with G6PD deficiency, 40 (53.3%) were prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or dapsone. During follow-up, five (6.7%) of these patients developed acute hemolytic anemia.DiscussionThese results provide strong clinical evidence for recommending G6PD testing in HIV-infected subjects from susceptible ethnic backgrounds.