Saema Khandakar

Dr. Saema Khandakar

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 September 2026 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SSSheetal Sriraman
Sheetal Sriraman
CBCharlotte Banayan
Charlotte Banayan
SUSana Usmani
Sana Usmani
SKSaema Khandakar
Saema Khandakar
Ivan L. HandIvan L. Hand
Ivan L. Hand
Background: G6PD deficiency is among the leading causes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus. Following a 2022 New York State Department of Health recommendation to test high-risk neonates, we implemented universal G6PD deficiency screening in the well-baby nursery. Objectives: We aimed to increase the proportion of infants screened from 0% to more than 75% within 6 months and to describe the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and the early outcomes of affected neonates. Methods: This quality improvement (QI) initiative, guided by the Model for Improvement, included a cross-sectional analysis of screening yield and early neonatal outcomes. A statistical process control p-chart tracked monthly screening. Outcomes were compared between screen-positive and screen-negative infants using the Fisher exact test. Results: Screening rose from 0% to a sustained mean of 81.1%, exceeding the 75% aim. Of 580 screened neonates, 52 (9.0%) screened positive for G6PD deficiency. Screen-positive infants were more likely than screen-negative infants to undergo repeat serum bilirubin testing (38.5% vs. 19.3%; p = 0.002) and to reach a peak bilirubin above 10 mg/dL (30.8% vs. 10.2%; p < 0.001). A higher rate of readmission for phototherapy was also observed (5.8% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.028), though based on few events. Phototherapy during the birth hospitalization, IVIG, and exchange transfusion did not differ. Conclusions: Universal G6PD screening was feasibly implemented and sustained in a high-risk well-baby nursery through routine workflow changes, without additional phlebotomy. Nearly 1 in 11 screened neonates tested positive for G6PD deficiency.