Does the history before blood transfusion identify donors who are glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficient?

The incidence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency in Iran is around 10-14.9%. G-6-PD deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder that is more prevalent in males. In our area, 80% of blood donors are males. At present, pre-donation data are relied on for detecting diseases in Shiraz blood banks and the donors’ blood is not routinely screened for G-6-PD deficiency. Transfusion of such blood may induce hemolysis in recipients, especially in premature neonates and in neonates having exchange transfusion. Four hundred and fifty blood bags in a blood bank of Shiraz from male donors were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The blood samples were tested with fluorescent spot test for G-6-PD deficiency. G-6-PD-deficient donors were identified, and if they agreed, were asked to participate in the study. Each volunteer filled out a questionnaire. From 450 blood bags, 27 bags were G-6-PD deficient (6%). Only 19 donors could be traced who volunteered to participate in the study. Two donors (10%) had positive past history of hemolysis. Ten donors (52.6%) had positive family history of hemolysis (red urine and jaundice) when exposed to fava beans, mothballs, aspirin or other drugs. Nine donors had a male member in the family with hemolysis and one had a female relative with hemolysis. Five donors (26.3%) had positive history of neonatal jaundice. According to this study, 52% of donors had a positive family history of hemolysis, but only 10% had positive history of hemolysis themselves; therefore, addition of past history and family history of hemolysis has a good predictive value in detection of the G-6-PD-deficient donors.