Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common
human enzyme deficiencies in the world. It is particularly common in populations living in
malaria-endemic areas, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. This present study
was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among children
visiting the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital
for pediatric-related care. The study included 118 children, made up of 77 (65.3%) males and
41 (34.7%) females aged #5 years with mean age of 3.26 ± 1.90 years. Randox G6PD quantitative
in vitro test screening was used for the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency. Of the 118 children
tested, 17 (14.4%) were G6PD-deficient. Prevalence of G6PD deficiency was concentrated
predominantly among male children (22.1%). Male sex was significantly correlated with G6PD
deficiency among the children studied (r = 7.85, P = 0.01). The highest prevalence occurred
among children in the 2- to 5-year age-group. Of the 17 G6PD-deficient children, twelve (70.2%)
were moderately deficient, while five (29.4%) were severely deficient. Blood film from G6PDdeficient
children indicated the following morphological changes; Heinz bodies, schistocytes,
target cells, nucleated red cells, spherocytes, and polychromasia. This present study has shown
a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency among children residing in Sokoto in the northwestern
geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study indicated a male sex bias in the prevalence of G6PD
deficiency among the children studied. There is a need for the routine screening of children for
G6PD deficiency in our environment, to allow for evidence-based management of these children
and to ensure the avoidance of food, drugs, and infective agents that can potentially predispose
these children to oxidative stress as well as diseases that deplete micronutrients that protect
against oxidative stress. There is need to build capacity in our setting among pediatricians to
ensure the effective management of children with G6PD deficiency.