[Hemolytic syndrome caused by primaquine and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency].

A comparative study of 1,000 travellers coming back to Cuba from malaria-endemic areas is made. Screening for deficients of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase by the methylene blue test is carried out in 500 of them; the other 500 did not undergo this test and were clinically observed throughout treatment. The figures for deficients and hemolytic syndrome were similar in the two groups. In addition the distribution according to skin color and chronology of case reporting in connection with the primaquine dose administered are analyzed. This test is useful as a screening technique in our country for prevention of hemolytic anemias through primaquine treatment.