Prevalence of Hemoglobinopathies (Beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia(SCA) trait) in the preuniversity students of Bushehr

Introduction: Hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease are common genetic disorders. These diseases are without clinical symptoms in heterozygote but in homozygote cases needs blood transfusion and hospital care. Carriers of these disease are at risk to have homozygote children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and relation of it to HbA, HbA2, HbS and HbF in the preuniversity students of Bushehr. methods: 498 blood samples was collected in EDTA tubes. Hematological parameters including RBCs, Hb, MCV and MCH were determined by automatic analyzer. Measurement of HbA1, HbF, HbA2 and S band were done using Cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Samples with MCV< 80 fl and/ or MCH< 27 pg and/ or HbA2> 3.5% or HbF> 2% were diagnosed as Beta-thalassemia. Samples with positive sickle cell prep and had S band were diagnosed as SCA trait. Samples with HbA2 normal and low MCV or MCH were diagnosed as Iron deficiency or alpha thalassemia. Results: In our study 74 samples (13.7% of female and 18.3% male) had MCV< 80 fl and 14.9% of female and 12% male had MCH<27 pg .97(19.7%) had HbA2> 3.5% and so they were diagnosed as Beta-thalassemia minor. 36(7.2%) had HbF> 2% and so they had one of the Hemoglobinopathy. 16(3.2%) had S band ( HbG, HbS or HbD) . Conclusion: Our study showed that the prevalency of hemoglobinopathies is 28.2% and therefore it suggests that health care authorities must take steps to reduce the complications. Key word:

Hemoglobinopathies, thalassemia, CBC index, Iron deficiency, sickle cell anemia(SCA) trait.