The significance of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in pregnancy.

A study was undertaken to attempt to understand the significance of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, one of the most common genetic enzymatic defects known, in the context of pregnancy. A group of 841 consecutive patients were screened by a sensitive test for this deficiency state, and all deficient subjects available were matched with control subjects and followed prospectively. Little significance to mother and baby was noted, although the study of the babies was incomplete. Previous reports of an increased rate of urinary tract infections and icterus neonatorum were not substantiated. Increased rates of abortions, low-birth-weight infants, and puerperal drops in red cell volumes were noted. The physiology of the disease and precautions for practitioners are discussed.