ENZYME DEFICIENCIES IN NEONATES WITH JAUNDICE

Numerous findings have shown that enzyme deficiencies, especially thos e involved in the protection of red cells from oxidation may lead to h emolysis and hyperbilirubinemia. It is established that G6PD deficienc y may be the cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, as has been found i n several countries and among widely different ethnic groups, We try t o establish the incidence of G6PD, PK and GSSG-R deficiencies in neona tes with jaundice for a better assessment of the population at risk, T he present investigation was carried out in the attempt to be certain whether these enzymes could play a part in the development of neonatal jaundice. A total of 341 neonates of both sexes with jaundice were an alyzed: 47 with G6PD deficiency; 9 with PK deficiency and 2 with GSSG- R deficiency.