BACKGROUNDGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked disorder which causes neonatal jaundice in most cases, and under certain conditions, can cause a spectrum of hemolytic manifestations.OBJECTIVETo determine the local prevalence of G6PD deficiency in newborns.DESIGNCross-sectional.SETTINGUniversity hospital.METHODSInfants born during 2015 were prospectively screened for G6PD deficiency. Dried blood spot samples on filter paper were collected in collaboration with the central laboratories of the Ministry of Health. Quantitative measurement of G6PD enzyme activity was measured from the blood samples using fluorometric analysis. A value ≤1.3 U/g hemoglobin (Hb) was considered G6PD deficient.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)G6PD enzyme activity (U/g Hb).RESULTSOf 2782 screened newborns (1453 males and 1329 females), 2646 (95.1%) newborns were normal, 17 (0.6%) exhibited intermediate deficiency; 119 newborns (91 male newborns; 28 female newborns) were deficient for G6PD for an overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency of 4.3% with a male:female ratio of 3.2:1. Enzyme activity was significantly higher in males than females (P<.014).CONCLUSIONThe overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency emphasizes the importance of neonatal screening for early detection and prevention together with proper intervention and genetic counseling.LIMITATIONLacked authority to collect the samples for testing directly from the local centers.

The use of of parent-completed ASQs showed an overall prevalence of developmental delay in children aged 24-60 months of3.4%. Male gender, consanguinity and parental education were identified as risk factors for developmental delay. Family counselling about the child's developmental state is needed.

BackgroundPuberty is the period of human growth and development. To determine the onset of puberty with regards to the effect of higher adiposity, together with growth parameters of the participants at various stages of sexual maturity for both sexes.MethodsThe study was conducted on 1944 children (8–16) years; 1022 girls (52.6%) and 922 boys (47.4%) were taken at random. Pubertal assessment was done using Tanner staging that assigned breast development in females and pubic and axillary hair in males and females. Testicular volume was recorded using a Prader orchidometer. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body mass (BM) fat, body fat percentage, through applying a body impedance analyzer, and others were recorded.ResultsThe mean ages at the onset of puberty for females and males in our study were 10.29 ± 1.1 and 11.34 ± 1.02 years, respectively. Pubic hair (stage PH2) was attained at mean age of 10.72 ± 0.84 and 11.98 ± 1.03 years for females and males, respectively. For axillary hair (stage AH2), the mean age was 12.47 ± 0.68 years for females and 13.8 ± 0.58 years for males. The mean age at menarche was 12.41 ± 0.65 years. In concordance to BM fat and percentage, all pubertal stages started earlier in females with BMI ≥85th percentile comparable to females within average BMI. As for males, no significant relation was noted between mean pubertal ages and BMI values.ConclusionsA significant association of mean ages of Tanner stages to excess weight especially in females warranted the increasing awareness about health care, nutritional aspects, and living circumstances.

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