Testing the Effectiveness of "ThalPred" Program on Treatment Guidelines and Counseling for Pregnant Women with Anemia

Abstract

This research utilized the "ThalPred" program to analyze the mean values of Thalassemia Trait (TT) using CBC results from anemic pregnant women (Hct < 33 vol%). The objectives were to determine the mean TT values and develop a regression equation for assessing the necessity of iron supplementation (Ferrous Fumarate) in pregnant women. This retrospective cohort study was conducted from June 1, 2023,   to May 31, 2024, at the Health Promotion Center Region 7, Khon Kaen. The study included 100 purposively selected participants, divided equally into two groups: 50 non-thalassemia carriers/disease and 50 thalassemia carriers/disease. The "ThalPred" program, developed by Mahidol University, was used for data analysis.

The results showed that the non-thalassemia trait/disease group (normal MCV, MCH) had a mean TT value ≤ 0.5, while the thalassemia trait/disease group (abnormal MCV or MCH) had a mean TT value > 0.5. For cases with TT > 0.5, anemia could be classified using MCV values: MCV ≥ 70 indicating thalassemia trait tendency, and  MCV < 70 suggesting thalassemia disease. The regression equation derived was                 thal12 = 0.848 + 1.271(TT) + ε. Iron supplementation could be administered to anemic pregnant women when thal12 < 1.5 (passing thalassemia screening) or thal12 ≥ 1.5 (failing thalassemia screening). Therefore, CBC results processed through the "ThalPred" program can be used to determine iron supplementation requirements.