Estimated disease burden and lost economic productivity due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Nigerian newborns

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency rarely manifests as extreme hyperbilirubinemia [EHB, total serum/plasma bilirubin > 25 mg/dL (428 µmol/L)]. It is a major preventable cause of newborn morbidity and mortality. In resource-constrained communities of Nigeria, experts have observed its significant clinical burden. We accessed a previously published pooled model of G6PD deficiency and determined its prevalence, subsequent risk of EHB, kernicterus, and death to be 26.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 19.5, 33.2%]; 33.3% (95%CI: 16.6, 50%); and 22.7% (95% CI: 16.5, 28.9%), respectively. The total number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost to symptomatic G6PD deficiency was 54,251 (95% CI: 6,039, 189,149). Estimated national average economic deficits due to mortality and disability ranged from $309 to $584 million. G6PD deficiency, when symptomatic in Nigerian newborns, is a significant disease burden, placing 1% of annual births at increased risks of neonatal mortality and morbidity, which contribute to significant economic productivity losses.