Effect of iron deficiency on the phenotype of beta-thalassaemia trait

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of iron deficiency on Hb-A2 level in beta-thalassaemia trait and to determine the frequency of individuals with beta-thalassaemia trait who could be missed due to concomitant iron deficiency. A total of 120 patients were studied, out of which 23 were iron deficient [serum ferritin < 20 ng/ml]. Mean Hb-A2 in the iron deficient individuals was 4.1 +/- 0.47% as compared to 5.1 +/- 0.58% in the remaining 97 individuals without iron deficiency [p < 0.001]. In the 120 individuals with beta-thalassaemia trait, mean Hb-A2 was 5.8% with range 3 - 6.8% and confidence interval was 95%. In 2 individuals with beta-thalassaemia trait, Iron deficiency was observed and showed Hb-A2 less than 3.5%. These could have been missed while screening by Hb-A2 estimation alone. Co-existence of Iron deficiency and beta-thalassaemia trait may mask the diagnosis of beta thalassaemia trait and such individuals can be missed during screening by Hb-A2 estimation alone