Publication:

Study on estimation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in patients prior to initiation of dapsone therapy in leprosy

Background Administration of dapsone in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient patients can lead to hemolysis which may be severe enough to warrant discontinuation of the drug. Screening for G6PD deficiency in leprosy patients before initiating treatment can prevent such adverse events.

Methods Medical records of all leprosy patients presenting between 1st January 2018 to 30th June 2018 were reviewed. G6PD levels, if done, were recorded for all patients needing dapsone therapy.

Results Of the 62 patients requiring treatment with dapsone (43 outpatients and 19 inpatients), G6PD estimation was done in 43 cases, i.e., 60.46% (26/43) of outpatients and 89.4% (17/19) of inpatients.10 patients were found deficient (6/26 outpatients and 4/17 inpatients).

Conclusions G6PD levels were not uniformly estimated in all patients requiring dapsone therapy. It was done more commonly estimated in inpatients (89.4%) when compared to outpatients (60.46%). The deficient G6PD levels were seen in 16% cases.