the co-inheritance of g6pd deficiency and sickle cell anemia: a cross-sectional study from al-madinah region, saudi arabia

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (g6pd) deficiency and sickle cell disease (scd) are among the most prevalent inherited hemolytic anemias in saudi arabia. while the co-inheritance of these conditions has been reported globally, their clinical and hematological impacts remain unclear. the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of g6pd deficiency among pediatric sca patients in the al-madinah region of saudi arabia and its impact on blood indices and hemolytic parameters. a cross-sectional study was conducted on 138 sca patients with hbss genotype. patients were categorized into two groups: group i included 38 with g6pd deficiency and group ii had 100 without. demographic data and hematological parameters were analyzed and compared between both groups. the prevalence of g6pd deficiency among sca patients was 27.5%. sca patients with g6pd deficiency had lower hemoglobin levels and hematocrit values, and higher reticulocyte percentages compared to group ii (p < 0.001, p = 0.013, and p < 0.001, respectively). it was noted that male patients had more severe anemia and hemolytic parameters compared to female patients. these findings were further confirmed by logistic regression analysis. the co-inheritance of g6pd deficiency in pediatric sca patients in al-madinah, saudi arabia, is relatively high (27.5%) and is associated with severe hemolysis and an increased reticulocyte percentage. this study highlights the importance of screening for g6pd deficiency in sca patients to improve management strategies and mitigate complications.