g6pd Deficiency Foundation, Inc.

The g6pd Deficiency Foundation is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness, provide education & advocate for screening of the G6PD deficient population. G6PD is an enzyme that serves to protect red blood cells when they are exposed to oxidative stress.  When insufficient G6PD exists in the body, red blood cells are damaged, which leads to a myriad of medical complications. Remarkably, this little-known, genetically transmitted condition is present in a significant portion of the population. In the United States, approximately 3-4% of the overall population are G6PD deficient.  Males of African-American descent have a greater incidence of the condition, with approximately 13% affected. 

Newborns with G6PD deficiency are particularly vulnerable to complications caused by damaged red blood cells and commensurate rising bilirubin levels. Because of a lack of early testing, some G6PD deficient neonates develop hyperbilirubinemia, which can lead to irreversible brain damage known as kernicterus.  With this known, why aren’t we screening neonates for G6PDd? 

How much do you know about G6PD deficiency? Stop by our booth #257 and test your knowledge!!  Find out if you know the parameters for treatment recommended by the AAP when managing a neonate with hyperbilirubinemia at 35+ weeks gestation.