| Summary: | Background and objectives:
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 the patients with co-pathological condition BTT with IDA may result in normal level of Hb-A2. Many socio-economic factors like un-awareness, poor facilities of diagnosis and expensive cost of molecular diagnosis (for screening purpose) may result in interpretation of these subjects as normal.
Material and Methods:
Venous blood sample of 200 un-married female having history of thalassemia in their families were collected in EDTA and basic hematological parameters, Hemoglobin electrophoresis and molecular analysis for beta thalassemia were done on all blood samples. The patients with IDA and patients with co-pathological condition BTT and IDA (both having low levels of serum ferritin) were treated with oral iron. These subjects were then followed for a period of 20 weeks.
Results:
Of the 200 females, 34 were found anemic among which 16 were diagnosed as BTT with the help of hemoglobin electrophoresis. The molecular analysis identified 24 females as BTT, eight patients that were failed to diagnose on hemoglobin electrophoresis showed co-pathological condition i.e. BTT with IDA. Conclusion:
The co-pathological condition BTT with IDA may be interpreted as normal, as they have normal Hb-A2 levels. This is one of the factors that play major role in propagation of beta thalassemia gene in Pakistani population and become serious hindrance for thalassemia prevention program in Pakistan.
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