Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in internationally adopted children.

There are conflicting guidelines about screening of internationally adopted children for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a common genetic disorder. In a multi-ethnic population of 2,169 internationally adopted children, we found that the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 1.6% overall and 2.2% in males. Prevalence differed by country or region of origin, ranging from 0 to 13% overall and 0 to 22% in males. The prevalence in females was 1%. A diagnosis of G6PD deficiency informs the treatment of malaria and enables education and counseling to prevent morbidity and mortality from G6PD deficiency. Screening for G6PD deficiency should be strongly considered for internationally adopted children.