Abstract
Objective: Understand the importance of making prompt diagnoses of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in order to avoid severe neurological sequels in infants. Bibliographic review: Studies were selected that include a population from 0 to 23 months of age and neurological complications resulting from pathological hyperbilirubinemia. It was found that this hemolytic disease has a universal incidence, although it is not diffusely tracked. Because this deficiency in G6PD does not manifest symptoms and neonatal screening is not always available, there are loopholes to progress to its most serious complication, kernicterus. Thus, the institution of treatment is recommended while the acute encephalopathy is reversible, which consists mainly of phototherapy and blood transfusion. Especially in places where the active search for cases is not carried out, it is understood that the treatment must be coupled with the awareness of the parents, who must be vigilant about jaundice and carry out a quick search for medical assistance, since the moment of greatest vulnerability is after the newborn's hospital discharge. Final considerations: G6PD deficiency is relevant and can contribute to serious developments in hyperbilirubinemia. There are limitations in the approach of affected neonates, with a shortage of studies in the area and reflections of the lack of investments in their prognosis.