Role of iron deficiency anemia in the propagation of beta thalssemia gene
Korean Journal of Hematology
;
: 41-44, 2011.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-720122
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The diagnostic criterion for beta thalassemia trait (BTT) is elevated Hb-A2 levels. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) reduces the synthesis of Hb-A2, resulting in reduced Hb-A2 levels, so patients with co-pathological conditions BTT with IDA, may have a normal level of Hb-A2. Many socio-economic factors like unawareness, poor diagnostic facilities, and cost of molecular diagnosis (for screening purposes) result in interpretation of these subjects as normal.METHODS:
Venous blood samples from 200 unmarried females having a family history of thalassemia were collected, and basic hematological parameters, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and molecular analysis for beta thalassemia were done. Patients with IDA and patients with co-pathological conditions BTT and IDA were treated with oral iron. These subjects were then followed for a period of 20 weeks.RESULTS:
Of the 200 females, 34 were found to be anemic. Hemoglobin electrophoresis identified 16 of these patients as BTT. Molecular analysis of all patients confirmed this diagnosis, but identified 8 additional patients with BTT. Eight patients that were not detected with hemoglobin electrophoresis were found to have co-pathology of BTT with IDA.CONCLUSION:
Patients with the co-pathological condition BTT with IDA may be interpreted as being normal, as they have normal Hb-A2 levels. These misdiagnosed subjects when marry with BTT have the potential to produce beta thalassemia major in offspring. This is one of the factors playing a major role in the propagation of beta thalassemia gene in Pakistani population, and become a serious hindrance for the thalassemia prevention program in Pakistan.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Pakistan
/
Single Person
/
Thalassemia
/
Hemoglobins
/
Mass Screening
/
Beta-Thalassemia
/
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
/
Electrophoresis
/
Iron
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Screening study
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Korean Journal of Hematology
Year:
2011
Type:
Article
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