Pre-Marital Screening: Thalassemia Trait and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: β- thalassemia Minor (BTM) and Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) are the main causes of microcytic hypochromic anemias currently in Asian subcontinent. Healthcare facilities in Pakistan have to encounter massive number of patients with anemias every day, where we need to distinguish between (IDA) and (BTM). A number of discrimination indices have been suggested for rapid differentiation of these entities over parameters achieved from automated blood-count analyzers. Objective. To determine the prevalence of β-thalassemia and IDA amongst the unmarried youngsters of Rahim Yar Khan. Methods: A cross-sectional study performed in Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan in 04 months from October 2021 to February 2022, 506 unmarried youngsters were included in the study. CBC, Serum Ferritin and Hb Electrophoresis were performed in Hematology Section, Pathology Department of SZMC Rahim Yar Khan. Results: Out of 506 subjects, the prevalence of beta thalassemia trait was found 3.3% in males followed by 2.2% in females whereas the prevalence of IDA was 1.7% in males followed by 1.3% in females. Conclusion: These results indicates that intensive education and awareness strategies are necessary to increase consumption of iron-rich dietary sources. This screening program is beneficial in prevention of high-risk marriages. Screening of spouses by pre-marital screening program is an actual way to control β-thalassemia major. Keywords: βeta-thalassemia trait (BTT), iron deficiency anemia (IDA), premarital screening.

Determination of Anemia Iron Deficiency Anemia and β-thalassemia during Pregnancy

“…Other than above a recent study from an area of south Punjab demonstrated thalassemia trait among 3.3% males and 2.2% females is also alarming and considering the importance of pre-marital status. 16 Another study from Lahore also demonstrated the significance of pre-marital screening and presented 7.5% of thalassemia trait using hemoglobin electrophoresis among women.…”

“…Pregnant women having multiple gestations confirmed on ultrasonography, pre-diagnosed cases of thalassemia or Sickle cell anaemia and having any known chronic medical disorder like Chronic Kidney Disease, Acid Peptic Disease or Piles etc. were excluded from this study 15,16,17 . Data Collection Procedure: A total of 310 pregnant women were included.…”

Thrombocytopenia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

“…[ 1 ] Thrombocytopenia (TCP) is the second most common hematological change in pregnant women and a notable source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. [ 2 , 3 ] The global prevalence of TCP among pregnant women is 8.4% and around one-tenth of pregnant women are suffered worldwide. [ 4 ] Studies reported that a reduction in platelet count during pregnancy resulted in levels about 10% lower than the pre-pregnancy level at term.…”