Addressing the burden of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia in countries with significant glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

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.