Carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis for thalassemia-associated mutations in Jiaxing area of Zhejiang / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the molecular epidemiology of thalassemia in Jiaxing area of Zhejiang province and provide a basis for prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling and prevention and control of birth defects.@*METHODS@#A total of 24 003 pregnant women who presented at the Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from April 2017 to September 2021 were enrolled. Capillary hemoglobin electrophoresis in combination with routine blood test were used for primary screening for carriers of thalassemia-associated mutations, and those with positive results were subjected to fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Prenatal diagnosis was provided for couples with a risk of giving birth to children with intermediate or severe thalassemia.@*RESULTS@#Among the 24 003 pregnant women, 1 211 cases were suspected as carriers of thalassemia-associated mutations, among whom 443 (36.58%) were confirmed by genetic testing. Among these, carriers of α-, β- and α-complex β-globin gene mutations have accounted for 27.31% (121/443), 70.65% (313/443) and 2.04% (9/443), respectively. The result of prenatal diagnosis for an at-risk couple was --SEA/αCSα, and the fetus was predicted to have intermediate or severe thalassemia. Termination of the pregnancy was recommended.@*CONCLUSION@#Hemoglobin electrophoresis combined with routine blood test during pregnancy may be used as a preliminary screening measure for carriers of thalassemia-associated variants. Combined with genetic testing, this will be of great significance for the control of thalassemia in this region.

Thalassemia, a human blood disorder / Talassemia, uma doença do sangue humano

A group of inherited blood defects is known as Thalassemia is among the world's most prevalent hemoglobinopathies. Thalassemias are of two types such as Alpha and Beta Thalassemia. The cause of these defects is gene mutations leading to low levels and/or malfunctioning α and β globin proteins, respectively. In some cases, one of these proteins may be completely absent. α and β globin chains form a globin fold or pocket for heme (Fe++) attachment to carry oxygen. Genes for alpha and beta-globin proteins are present in the form of a cluster on chromosome 16 and 11, respectively. Different globin genes are used at different stages in the life course. During embryonic and fetal developmental stages, γ globin proteins partner with α globin and are later replaced by β globin protein. Globin chain imbalances result in hemolysis and impede erythropoiesis. Individuals showing mild symptoms include carriers of alpha thalassemia or the people bearing alpha or beta-thalassemia trait. Alpha thalassemia causes conditions like hemolytic anemia or fatal hydrops fetalis depending upon the severity of the disease. Beta thalassemia major results in hemolytic anemia, growth retardation, and skeletal aberrations in early childhood. Children affected by this disorder need regular blood transfusions throughout their lives. Patients that depend on blood transfusion usually develop iron overload that causes other complications in the body systems like renal or hepatic impairment therefore, thalassemias are now categorized as a syndrome. The only cure for Thalassemias would be a bone marrow transplant, or gene therapy with currently no significant success rate. A thorough understanding of the molecular basis of this syndrome may provide novel insights and ideas for its treatment, as scientists have still been unable to find a permanent cure for this deadly disease after more than 87 years since it is first described in 1925.

Um grupo de defeitos sanguíneos hereditários é conhecido como talassemia e está entre as hemoglobinopatias mais prevalentes do mundo. As talassemias são de dois tipos, como talassemia alfa e beta. As causas desses defeitos são as mutações genéticas que levam a níveis baixos e/ou proteínas de globina com mau funcionamento, respectivamente. Em alguns casos, uma dessas proteínas pode estar completamente ausente. As cadeias de globina α e β formam uma dobra ou bolsa de globina para a fixação de heme (Fe ++) para transportar oxigênio. Os genes das proteínas alfa e beta globina estão presentes na forma de um cluster nos cromossomos 16 e 11, respectivamente. Diferentes genes de globina são usados em diferentes estágios do curso de vida. Durante os estágios de desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal, as proteínas γ globina se associam à α globina e, posteriormente, são substituídas pela proteína β globina. Os desequilíbrios da cadeia de globina resultam em hemólise e impedem a eritropoiese. Indivíduos que apresentam sintomas leves incluem portadores de talassemia alfa ou as pessoas com traços de talassemia alfa ou beta. A talassemia alfa causa condições como anemia hemolítica ou hidropsia fetal fatal, dependendo da gravidade da doença. A beta talassemia principal resulta em anemia hemolítica, retardo de crescimento e aberrações esqueléticas na primeira infância. As crianças afetadas por esse distúrbio precisam de transfusões de sangue regulares ao longo da vida. Os pacientes que dependem de transfusão de sangue geralmente desenvolvem sobrecarga de ferro que causa outras complicações nos sistemas do corpo, como insuficiência renal ou hepática, portanto as talassemias agora são classificadas como uma síndrome. A única cura para as talassemias seria um transplante de medula óssea ou terapia genética sem atualmente uma taxa de sucesso significativa. Uma compreensão completa da base molecular dessa síndrome pode fornecer novos insights e ideias para seu tratamento, [...].

Thalassemia, a human blood disorder / Talassemia, uma doença do sangue humano

Abstract A group of inherited blood defects is known as Thalassemia is among the world's most prevalent hemoglobinopathies. Thalassemias are of two types such as Alpha and Beta Thalassemia. The cause of these defects is gene mutations leading to low levels and/or malfunctioning α and β globin proteins, respectively. In some cases, one of these proteins may be completely absent. α and β globin chains form a globin fold or pocket for heme (Fe++) attachment to carry oxygen. Genes for alpha and beta-globin proteins are present in the form of a cluster on chromosome 16 and 11, respectively. Different globin genes are used at different stages in the life course. During embryonic and fetal developmental stages, γ globin proteins partner with α globin and are later replaced by β globin protein. Globin chain imbalances result in hemolysis and impede erythropoiesis. Individuals showing mild symptoms include carriers of alpha thalassemia or the people bearing alpha or beta-thalassemia trait. Alpha thalassemia causes conditions like hemolytic anemia or fatal hydrops fetalis depending upon the severity of the disease. Beta thalassemia major results in hemolytic anemia, growth retardation, and skeletal aberrations in early childhood. Children affected by this disorder need regular blood transfusions throughout their lives. Patients that depend on blood transfusion usually develop iron overload that causes other complications in the body systems like renal or hepatic impairment therefore, thalassemias are now categorized as a syndrome. The only cure for Thalassemias would be a bone marrow transplant, or gene therapy with currently no significant success rate. A thorough understanding of the molecular basis of this syndrome may provide novel insights and ideas for its treatment, as scientists have still been unable to find a permanent cure for this deadly disease after more than 87 years since it is first described in 1925.

Resumo Um grupo de defeitos sanguíneos hereditários é conhecido como talassemia e está entre as hemoglobinopatias mais prevalentes do mundo. As talassemias são de dois tipos, como talassemia alfa e beta. As causas desses defeitos são as mutações genéticas que levam a níveis baixos e/ou proteínas de globina com mau funcionamento, respectivamente. Em alguns casos, uma dessas proteínas pode estar completamente ausente. As cadeias de globina α e β formam uma dobra ou bolsa de globina para a fixação de heme (Fe ++) para transportar oxigênio. Os genes das proteínas alfa e beta globina estão presentes na forma de um cluster nos cromossomos 16 e 11, respectivamente. Diferentes genes de globina são usados ​​em diferentes estágios do curso de vida. Durante os estágios de desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal, as proteínas γ globina se associam à α globina e, posteriormente, são substituídas pela proteína β globina. Os desequilíbrios da cadeia de globina resultam em hemólise e impedem a eritropoiese. Indivíduos que apresentam sintomas leves incluem portadores de talassemia alfa ou as pessoas com traços de talassemia alfa ou beta. A talassemia alfa causa condições como anemia hemolítica ou hidropsia fetal fatal, dependendo da gravidade da doença. A beta talassemia principal resulta em anemia hemolítica, retardo de crescimento e aberrações esqueléticas na primeira infância. As crianças afetadas por esse distúrbio precisam de transfusões de sangue regulares ao longo da vida. Os pacientes que dependem de transfusão de sangue geralmente desenvolvem sobrecarga de ferro que causa outras complicações nos sistemas do corpo, como insuficiência renal ou hepática, portanto as talassemias agora são classificadas como uma síndrome. A única cura para as talassemias seria um transplante de medula óssea ou terapia genética sem atualmente uma taxa de sucesso significativa. Uma compreensão completa da base molecular dessa síndrome pode fornecer novos insights e ideias para seu tratamento, já que os cientistas ainda não conseguiram encontrar uma cura permanente para essa doença mortal depois de mais de 87 anos desde que foi descrita pela primeira vez em 1925.

O cuidado de enfermagem à pessoa com doença falciforme em unidade de emergência / El cuidado de enfermería a la persona con enfermedad falciforme en unidad de urgencias / Nursing care to people suffering with sickle cell disease in emergency unit

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou identificar como a equipe de enfermagem percebe o cuidado à pessoa com doença falciforme na unidade de emergência. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo e descritivo, desenvolvido em um hospital especializado no Rio de Janeiro com 12 membros da equipe de enfermagem do referido setor. A produção de dados ocorreu entre abril e setembro de 2014, mediante entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo, emergindo como categoria: A equipe de enfermagem no cuidado à pessoa com doença falciforme na emergência. Ao cuidar da pessoa com doença falciforme em unidade de emergência, a equipe de enfermagem enfrenta algumas limitações, tais como: o manejo da dor, o nível de conhecimento da equipe sobre a doença, a organização e a estrutura do serviço diante das demandas de cuidado. Para cuidar dessas pessoas, os membros da equipe de enfermagem precisam estar preparados para saber avaliá-las considerando suas necessidades e suas trajetórias de vida com a doença, que implica em inúmeras internações ao longo da vida.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo el objetivo de identificar cómo el equipo de enfermería percibe el cuidado a la persona con enfermedad falciforme en la unidad de urgencias. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo y descriptivo, desarrollado en un hospital especializado en Rio de Janeiro-Brasil con 12 miembros del equipo de enfermería del referido sector. La producción de datos ocurrió entre abril y septiembre de 2014, mediante entrevista semiestructurada. Los datos fueron sometidos al análisis de contenido, surgiendo como categoría: El equipo de enfermería en el cuidado a la persona con enfermedad falciforme en urgencias. Al cuidar a la persona con enfermedad falciforme en unidad de urgencias, el equipo de enfermería enfrenta algunas limitaciones, tales como: el manejo del dolor, el nivel de conocimiento del equipo sobre la enfermedad, la organización y la estructura del servicio ante las demandas de cuidado. Para cuidar a estas personas, los miembros del equipe de enfermería necesitan estar preparados para saber evaluarlas, considerando sus necesidades y sus trayectorias de vida con la enfermedad, que implica en innúmeras internaciones a lo largo de la vida.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify how the nursing team perceives the care to the person with sickle cell disease at the emergency unit. This is a qualitative and descriptive study, developed in a specialized hospital in Rio de Janeiro with 12 members of the said sector nursing team. The Data production took place between April and September 2014 through semi-structured interview. Data were submitted to content analysis and the following category arised: The nursing staff in the care for the person with sickle cell disease in the emergency room. By taking care of the person with sickle cell disease in the emergency department, the nursing team faces some limitations, such as: pain management, the team's level of knowledge on the disease, the organization and structure of the service on the care demands. To take care of these people, members of the nursing staff must be prepared to learn to evaluate them considering their needs and their life histories with the disease, which involves numerous hospitalizations lifelong.

Rotação ventricular esquerda anormal em mulher com talassemia / Abnormal left ventricular torsion in woman with thalassemia

Introdução: Cardiomiopatia induzida pelo ferro é bem documentada em pacientes com talassemia. A ecocardiografia convencional associada a novas tecnologias pode detectar, precocemente, alterações na função ventricular esquerda nesses pacientes. Relato do caso: Mulher, 50 anos, assintomática, com diagnóstico de talassemia, mostra parâmetros ecocardiográficos convencionais e Doppler tecidual normais com alteração na torção e rotação ao speckle tracking. Comentários:A detecção precoce de alterações da função cardíaca por meio de novas tecnologias, em pacientes com talassemia, tem demonstrado importância prognóstica.

Introduction: Iron induced cardiomyophathy is well documented in patients with thalassemia. Conventional echocardiogram associated with new technologies has provided parameters for early detection of changes in left ventricular function. Case report: Woman, 50 years old, asymptomatic, diagnosed with thalassemia, shows normal conventional echocardiogram and tissue Doppler parameters but altered torsion and rotation parameters using speckle tracking. Comments: Early echocardiographic findings using speckle tracking in patients with thalassemia is important and may improve prognosis in these patients.

Sickle cell disease in Middle East Arab countries.

The sickle cell (HbS) gene occurs at a variable frequency in the Middle Eastern Arab countries, with characteristic distribution patterns and representing an overall picture of blood genetic disorders in the region. The origin of the gene has been debated, but studies using β-globin gene haplotypes have ascertained that there were multiple origins for HbS. In some regions the HbS gene is common and exhibits polymorphism, while the reverse is true in others. A common causative factor for the high prevalence and maintenance of HbS and thalassaemia genes is malaria endemicity. The HbS gene also co-exists with other haemoglobin variants and thalassaemia genes and the resulting clinical state is referred to as sickle cell disease (SCD). In the Middle Eastern Arab countries, the clinical picture of SCD expresses two distinct forms, the benign and the severe forms, which are related to two distinct β-globin gene haplotypes. These are referred to as the Saudi-Indian and the Benin haplotypes, respectively. In a majority of the Middle Eastern Arab countries the HbS is linked to the Saudi-Indian haplotype, while in others it is linked to the Benin haplotype. This review outlines the frequency, distribution, clinical feature, management and prevention as well as gene interactions of the HbS genes with other haemoglobin disorders in the Middle Eastern Arab countries.

Utility of family studies in diagnosing abnormal hemoglobins/thalassemic states.

Objective. To resolve all indeterminate cases on HPLC screening with the help of family studies and to further confirm the results by genetic analysis. Methods. In our 11 years experience with HPLC at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, we solved many cases with the help of family studies on parental blood samples in which patient could have possibly been homozygous vs compound heterozygous. Genetic analysis was done on index case as well as on parental samples with ARMS-PCR technique to confirm the results. Results. In 100% of cases, we noted that the diagnosis obtained by family studies was commensurate with that obtained by DNA analysis. Conclusion. In centers, which do not have the facility for genetic analysis, family studies by HPLC can be equally useful.

Advances in management of thalassemia.

Thalassemias represent the most common single-gene disorder causing a major public health problem in India. Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies probably developed over 7000 years ago as a defense against malaria. In simple terms, thalassemia is caused by a mutation in either the â-globin chain or the á-globin chain which combine equally in red cells to form hemoglobin. These mutations lead to varying degree of anemia resulting into thalassemia minor, intermedia or major. Present write up relates to advances in the management of â-thalassemia major.

Genetic polymorphisms and implications for human diseases.

After the sequencing of the human genome is done, enormous genomic information and high-throughput profiling technologies are used. Increased attention has been paid to applying this knowledge to get better understanding of inherited diseases and complex disorders. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are DNA sequence variations that occur when a single nucleotide in the genome sequence is altered SNPs are an important tool for the study of the human genome. Application of SNPs analysis to human disease permits exploration of the influence of genetic polymorphisms on disease susceptibility, drug sensitivity/resistance, and ultimately health care. Databases of SNPs provide a powerful resource for association studies that try to establish a relationship between a phenotype and regions of the genome. Genomic approaches have garnered so much attention and investment because they offer the potential to provide better understanding of genetic factors in human health and disease, as well as more-precise definitions of the non-genetic factors involved.

Result of video-education on "genetic transmission in thalassemia" to thalassemic patients and their parents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of knowledge improvement and retention after a single viewing of a video CD presentation on the genetic transmission of thalassemia among patients with thalassemia and their parents. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present research was approved by Khon Kaen University Ethics Review Board A video CD on the genetic transmission of thalassemia was created as an educational tool for improving knowledge and retention. The validity and the informative usefulness of the video CD was evaluated, adapted and approved by a thalassemia expert. Between November 1, 2002 and September 30, 2005, 61 subjects (thalassemic patients and their parents, both groups were in reproductively active ages) at the Pediatric Outpatient Unit, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, consented to participate. Their ages ranged between 17 and 50 years (mean +/-SD = 36.5 +/- 9.4; median = 38.0) and 44.3% completed elementary while 26.2% completed secondary school. Their occupations varied. Mothers, fathers, and thalassemic patients comprised 68.9%, 21.3%, and 9.8% of participants, respectively. In a quiet room in the Unit, each subject watched a single viewing of the video. A validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.79) with 40 true/false items was used to evaluate baseline knowledge on the genetic transmission of thalassemia. Knowledge was retested four times: immediately after the viewing, then at the 4th, 12th, and 24th week. The scores for each test were skewed toward high scores; therefore, non-parametric tests were used for the statistical evaluation. RESULTS: The running time for the video CD was 20 minutes. The baseline knowledge on genetic transmission was high. Immediately after a single viewing of the video, the knowledge level increased significantly (p = 0.000, 95% CI = 4.0-7.0) and was maintained up to the 12th week, after which (at the 24'h week) there was a significant drop (p = 0.020, 95% CI = -2.0 to 0) compared to the immediate post-test. CONCLUSION: The authors' video CD presentation effectively provided knowledge on the genetic transmission of thalassemia to patients with thalassemia and their parents. Post-viewing knowledge increased significantly and was retained for at least 12 weeks. Thereafter a refresher should be taken.

Feasibility of thalassaemia control by extended family screening in Indian context.

Thalassaemia is one of the most common genetic disorders in India. Its control is possible by screening of general population for carrier status and by antenatal diagnosis in couples at risk of having a child with thalassaemia. This study explored the feasibility of screening the extended family to detect carriers to prevent birth of thalassaemic children and identified the barriers to its acceptance. One hundred parents with thalassaemic child on a regular hypertransfusion programme were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire. The results showed that 96% of them were more willing to share information on their thalassaemic children with relatives and friends. Relatives of 62 parents accepted the risk of being a carrier, and 14 families got themselves tested for it so far. Another 34 families could not get themselves tested due to non-availability of screening facilities in the nearby town, high cost of the test, and lack of sufficient motivation. It is concluded that, by and large, parents have no reservations in sharing information on their affected children with their relatives, but the communication needs to be improved for all families to accept the risk of having a thalassaemic child. There is also a need to make the screening more readily available and to motivate high-risk groups through awareness-raising programmes.

Hemoglobinopathies and other hereditary hematological diseases in the brazilian population

The complex history and structure of the Brazilian population, to which contributed a large number of ethnic components that are in a state of increasing miscegenation, are reflected in the diversity, frequency and regional distribution of the more common hereditary diseases. It is interesting to observe that no gene mutation was inherited from the original Amerindian population, which is severely reduced today. Four important group of hereditary hematological diseases are represented in the Brazilian population: Sickle cell anemia and other hemoglobinopathies, the thalassemias, familial hypercholesterolemia and thrombophilia. Sickle cell anemia, hemoglobin C disease and thalassemias are heterogeneously distributed owing to the unevenly proportion of descendants of African blacks and European immigrants in the different regions of the country. The most frequent cause of familiar hypercholesterolemia is a mutation of Arab origin. The mutations that may represent risk factors for thrombophilia have a heterogenous ethnic distribution which may help to explain the differences in the prevalence of thrombotic diseases.

Razas humanas y hémato-ser-antropología: orígenes de los indígenas de Chile y nativos pascuenses en el concierto de las razas humanas / Human races and hemato-sero-anthropology: origins of Chilean natives and natives from Easter Island in the context of human races

Geographical hematology of Bernard and Ruffie, or Hemato-ser-anthropology, intends to establish relationships between hereditary genetic characters of the blood and human races. Blood groups, haptoglobins, abnormal hemoglobin and other biological traits such as color vision are related to the origin of human races, their geographical distribution, history, settlements drifts, invasions, customs, religious beliefs, cult to ancestors dead modifications, culture, language, writting, sculpture, painting and pottery. Our investigations are aimed to locate Chilean natives and natives from Easter Island in the context of human races

Human genomics: implications for health.

Human genome research which tries to map and sequence all the 3 billion nucleotides in the entire DNA is progressing rapidly. Completion of the human genome sequencing is expected before the year 2005. Human genes, totalling 50,000-100,000, will be identified, allowing the complete set of proteins--'the proteome' to be known. This together with genomic research in other species will lead to complete understanding of life at the molecular level and also its evolutionary history of 3,500 million years. Genomics will bring about a revolution in biology and health, because it is equivalent to having a 'Biological Periodic Table' which is a foundation for understanding life, health, disease and for deriving of new tools for diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention. Human genomics will give rise to Predictive--Preventive Medicine and Precision Medicine. It will have profound social implications. Preparation for the future is needed for societies to cope with and make proper use of the tremendous changes to be brought about by genomics.

Prenatal diagnosis of beta thalassemia

Seventy one women were screened for prenatal diagnosis of Beta-Thalassaemia by using chorionic villus sampling technique. Sixteen fetuses [21.6%] were found homozygous for B-thalassaenia. Out of 17 live births, 11 have undergone blood tests and the results of blood test corresponded to prenatal diagnosis made through chorionic villus sampling

El impacto de la genética molecular en la clínica médica / The impact of the molecular genetics in the medical clinic

El desarrollo de la biología molecular en los últimos veinte años, con la aplicación de la ingeniería genética permite actualmente diagnosticar las alteraciones moleculares de una serie de enfermedades hereditarias y demostrar la presencia de diferentes agentes infecciosos en los más variados fluidos orgánicos. La amplificación de fragmentos de ADN por la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) hace posible diagnosticar con gran precisión y sensibilidad siendo su mayor utilidad la identificación de portadores sanos heterocigotas de enfermedades recesivas.

Alelos talasémicos en mestizos mexicanos / Thalassemia aleles in Mexicans mestizos

Se presenta un análisis de los alelos talasémicos observados en mestizos mexicanos: En 18 pacientes no emparentados con anemia hemolítica de moderada a severa (16 con ß-tal y 2 con Ó-tal), se identificaron 25 cromosomas con 14 alelos diferentes (10 para ß-tal) con predominio de alelos del Mediterráneo (7 ß-tal y 2 Ó-tal). La mutación más común fue la sin sentido Cd 39, observada en siete cromosomas (28 por ciento); se observaron, además tres alelos asiáticos, uno ß-tal hindú (l-1 nt 5 GÄC), dos del sureste de Asia (Ä SEA Y ÄFIL), uno originario de judíos curdos (-28 AÄC) y uno mexicano (Cd 11-T), lo que muestra una heterogeneidad molecular alta en nuestra población

Study of foetal hemoglobin [HbF] and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] in children of hilly areas of Abbottabad

Two hundred and thirty apparently healthy children [150 males and 80 females] and 120 refractory anaemic children [70 males and 50 females] of different age groups were investigated for Foetal Haemoglobin [HbF], HbA2 and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase [G6PD] for a period of 18 months. Age ranged between 8 months to 14 ears. The mean Hb of healthy and anaemic children was 13.9 g/dl and 6.4 g/dl respectively. The mean HbF levels were 0.917, in healthy and 13.6% in anaemic children. Twenty four percent of anaemic children had elevated HbF wind most of them showed associated increase of HbA2. Ten cases of thalassaemia major and 19 cases of thalassemia minor were identified. Among the healthy children, three males and one female were found to be CdFPD deficient, while in anaemic children, 8 males and 4 females had G6PD deficiency. No relationship was observed between HbF and G6PD. However, an unusual case was found who had inherited G6PD deficiency from father and beta thalassaemia from the mother's side