Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Children with Cleft Lip/Palate Attending Multidisciplinary Cleft Clinic at a Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Background: Cleft lip and palate are among the most common orofacial congenital anomalies worldwide known to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked disease that affects around 400 million people globally and leads to haemolytic crisis. The main complication of these cleft surgeries is bleeding which, in a G6PD deficient child, could be prolonged and could contribute to an increase in other complications among the affected children. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and its association with haemoglobin levels among children with cleft lip and palate attending the multidisciplinary cleft clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Method: A cross-sectional study of consecutively selected patients attending the multidisciplinary cleft clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from February-May 2025 was conducted. Consented participants’ socio-demographic and clinical information were collected. A venous blood sample (3 ml) was collected based on standard procedures. G6PD enzyme activity and complete blood count were measured using the Methemoglobin reduction test and a fully automated haematology analyzer respectively. Logistic regression and their odds ratio were used to determine the association between haemoglobin (Hb) level and G6PD deficiency. Results: A total of ninety-one (91) participants were enrolled for the study, comprising 51 (56.0%) males and 40 (44.0%) females. A higher proportion (27.5%) presented with Veau III (cleft lip and palate), 22.0% presented with Veau II (cleft palate) and 17.6% with Veau IV (bilateral cleft lip and palate). Almost 61% of the participants were anaemic with nearly 29% having mild and moderate anaemia respectively. About 44% in the 6 - 59-month-old group had mild anaemia whilst a quarter had moderate anaemia. 12.1% (95% CI = 6.2% - 20.6%) had Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. A higher proportion of males had G6PD deficiency compared to females (OR = 4.07; 95% CI = 0.83 - 20.04). There was no statistically significant association between G6PD deficiency and anaemia [OR = 1.17 (95% CI = 0.32 - 4.31)]. Conclusion: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was found in 12.1% of children with cleft lip and palate. Association between G6PD deficiency and anaemia was not statistically significant.
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