ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: beta thalassemia is an hereditary disease caused by mutations in the beta globin gene. The clinical course is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia that required regular blood transfusions. Secondary to the blood transfusions, patients developed severe hemosiderosis that can cause death in the early twenties unless appropriate iron chelator therapy is given. Due to the severity of the disease and the expensive treatment, a prevention program should be instituted. We report our experience in a prevention program among pregnant women in the Jezreel and Eiron Valleys during a period of fifteen years. RESULTS: A total of women were screened for beta thalassemia. Within this group, 928 were found to be carriers and 180 couples were found to be at risk to deliver an affected baby. Two hundred and fifty nine prenatal diagnoses were performed and in 45 cases the parents decided to abort the affected child. In ten cases the parents choose to deliver an affected baby. Fifteen different beta globin mutations were detected in the area covered by the program. CONCLUSIONS: A prevention program among pregnant women is feasible and prevents most of the new cases of hemoglobinopathies in the covered area. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on our experience, and the relative low cost of this program, we recommend instituting a national prevention program for beta thalassemia throughout the country.
