Prevalence of Association of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Sickle Cell Disease at the National Teaching Hospital of Cotonou in Benin

Abstract

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell disease are common genetic defects of red blood cells that lead to hemolytic anemia. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in sickle cell patients is unknown in Benin. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in sickle cell patients at the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou. Methods: This prospective study was conducted from April to November 2022 at the blood-related diseases teaching clinic and included sickle cell patients in the stationary phase. G6PD determination was performed using the enzymatic method on a Mindray BS 200 machine following the Herz method. Hematological parameters were determined using the XT 4000i analyzer and supplemented by a blood smear stained with May Grunwald Giemsa. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 3.5.4 software. Results: One hundred and sixty-four sickle cell patients (80 SS homozygotes and 84 SC heterozygotes) in the intercritical phase, with a mean age of 26.30 ± 10.76 years, were included. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 9.1% (15 cases found in 7 SS patients and 8 SC patients). In G6PD-deficient patients, the mean concentration of the enzyme was lower in Hb SC heterozygotes than in Hb SS homozygotes: 3.56 IU/g Hb versus 4.98 IU/g Hb. The mean reticulocyte count was 231.43 G/L in the deficient group, compared to 216.32 G/L in the non-deficient group. Conclusion: The preliminary results of our study reveal a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency in sickle cell patients. The impact of this association on he-