Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies in pregnant women attended antenatal care service at Yala Hospital

Abstract

Yala is the southernmost province of Thailand. The majority of population is Thai-Muslim. Therefore, the prevalence and spectrum of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies might be different from the other parts of the country. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies among pregnant women attended antenatal care service at Yala hospital. Altogether, blood samples from 300 pregnant women were collected. Hematologic parameters were measured initially at Yala hospital. Standard methods including hemoglobin (Hb) and DNA analyses were performed at the Center for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (CMDL), Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University. The overall prevalence of a-thalassemia (a-thal) was found to be 18.1%; comprising 2.0% a-thal 1, 12.7% a-thal 2, 2.7% Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS), and 0.67% Hb Pakse’. The prevalence of b-thal and Hb E was 2.7% and 13.7%, respectively. Hb D-Punjab was found in 0.67% of the women participated. Hb Malay was also found. Interaction between these thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies led to 15 genotypes. The findings indicate the high prevalence and heterogeneity of thalassemia in the region and reflect the burden of health due to a wide variety of thalassemia diseases that local health staffs must be aware of. 

Keywords:  Thalassemia, Hemoglobinopathies, Southern Thailand