Prevalence of Thalassemia among Newborns: A Re-visited after 20 Years of a Prevention and Control Program in Northeast Thailand.

Chaibunruang A1, Sornkayasit K1, Chewasateanchai M2, Sanugul P2, Fucharoen G1, Fucharoen S1.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To provide accurate prevalence information of thalassemia in northeast Thailand, authors performed thalassemia screening in newborns after 20 years implementation of a prevention and control program.

METHODS:

Study was done on 350 cord blood specimens collected consecutively at Maternal and Child Hospital, Regional Health Promotion Center 7, Khon Kaen, Thailand. All kinds of α- and β-thalassemias were identified using combined hemoglobin (Hb) and DNA analyses.

RESULTS:

Among 350 newborns examined, subjects with thalassemia genes were identified in 184 (52.6%) cases with as many as 22 different genotypes. The most prevalent one was Hb E (39.1%). The incidence of 3.1% α0-thalassemia, 25.9% α+-thalassemia, 5.4% Hb Constant Spring and 1.4% of Hb Paksé were encountered. Heterozygous β-thalassemia was found in 2 cases (0.6%). Hb capillary electrophoresis could demonstrate Hb E in all cases with Hb E and detected different levels of Hb Bart's for different α-thalassemia genotypes but not in all cases with α-thalassemia. No newborn with severe thalassemia diseases was encountered.

CONCLUSION:

This study reveals that α-thalassemia, β-thalassemia, and Hb E carriers as well as complex thalassemia syndromes are still prevalence and indicates a need for continuing a prevention and control program in the region.