WIP 149 - Implementation and Outcomes of Universal G6PD Deficiency Screening in a High-Risk Inner-City Hospital

Poster Number: WIP 149
Publication Number: WIP 149.2366

Background: Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the leading causes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia but G6PD deficiency screening is not included as part of the newborn screening in New York State. We implemented universal screening for G6PD deficiency for all babies born at our hospital in October 2022, following guidance issued by the New York State Department of Health to screen high-risk patients. Infants who screened positive for G6PD deficiency were followed up in a G6PD deficiency clinic for confirmation and counseling.

Objective: To determine the percentage of infants that screen positive for G6PD deficiency. We also aim to compare neonatal outcomes between infants with and without G6PD deficiency and compare the clinical course of newborn cohorts before and after the implementation of universal screening.

Design/Methods: This study is a cross-sectional retrospective chart review conducted at an inner-city county hospital. It is a time-bound study that includes all infants discharged from the neonatal/well-baby services over a 12-month period, six months before and six months after the implementation of G6PD deficiency screening, from April 2022 to March 2023. The expected sample size is around 800 infants. Neonatal outcomes studied include the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia necessitating hospitalization, phototherapy, or exchange transfusion. The study has been given exempt status by IRB. A Chi-square test for categorical variables will be used to determine if there are differences between the demographic characteristics of infants with and without G6PD deficiency. A two-sample t-test will be used to determine if there is a difference in the outcomes of infants with and without G6PD deficiency. A paired t-test will be used to determine if there is a difference in the outcomes of infants before and after the study implementation. A p-value of < 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. We anticipate data collection and analysis to be complete by March 2024.