Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an established worldwide risk factor for severe hyperbilirubinaemia. This literature review examined the pattern and management of severe hyperbilirubinaemia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where G6PD deficiency was 10% or more and found that it was frequently associated with neonatal mortality and, or, neurodevelopmental disorders.
Conclusion: Low- and middle-income countries need to pay urgent attention to G6PD deficiency to curtail the preventable burden of jaundice-related morbidity, mortality and disability.
Keywords: Acute bilirubin encephalopathy; Child disability; Developing countries; Kernicterus; Phototherapy.
©2014 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.