The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in stored blood

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion is a critical component of supportive therapy. Red blood cell viability in stored blood determines successful transfusion. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity has been shown to maintain red blood cell membrane integrity. This study was, therefore, aimed at estimating the G6PD activity in stored blood bags at the blood bank of the University of Nigeria Teaching hospital (UNTH) Enugu.
Methodology: The activity of G6PD in 100 stored blood bags consisting of different ABO groups [A (n=30); B (n=30); O (n=30) and AB (n=10)], stored at the blood bank of the UNTH Enugu between April and August 2009, was determined using methhaemoglobin reduction and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric quantitative methods. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using student’s t-test and analysis of variance.
Results: There was statistically significant decrease in the G6PD activity from the third week of storage (p<0.05) at the blood bank, under optimum storage conditions. The different ABO blood groups did not show any significant variation (p>0.05) in G6PD activity.
Conclusion: Storage of whole blood for up to three weeks results in significant decrease in the G6PD activity and possibly, affects the red cell viability. Stored blood in the blood bank should be used up before the third week to ensure viability of red blood cells.

Keywords: ABO groups, blood transfusion, blood donors, haemolytic anaemia, red blood cells