Abstract

Purpose: The reported incidence of G6PD deficiency in Sardina, Italy, ranges from 10% to 15%. Hemizygous males have totally deficient erythrocytes. Evidence indicates that patients with G6PD deficiency are protected against ischemic heart and cerebrovascular disease, retinal vein occlusion, and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of G6PD deficiency in Sardinian men with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and ascertain whether G6PD deficiency may have a protective effect against this vascular disorder.
Methods: G6PD blood levels were measured in 524 men with PDR. 1262 non-diabetic men undergoing cataract surgery served as controls. The Z test was used to assess differences in G6PD deficiency prevalence rates between groups. The odds ratio (OR) was used to evaluate the association between G6PD deficiency and PDR.
Results: G6PD deficiency was found in 30 (5.7%) out of 524 patients with PDR and in 107 (8.5%) out of 1262 controls. Differences between PDR patients and controls were statistically significant (Z = 1.99, P<0.046). G6PD deficiency showed a statistically significant protective effect against PDR (OR: 0.66; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.43-0.99).
Conclusion: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Sardinian men with PDR was lower than expected. Results suggest that G6PD deficient men have a lower risk of developing PDR.

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