Premarital Hemoglobinopathy Screening Study: Is Kadirli Prevalent Thalassemia Area Of Turkey?

Abstract

Objective: Hemoglobinopathy is one of the most widespread inherited disorders in Turkey and preventable with premarital screening programs. The aim of this study was determining the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in Kadirli and discussing the necessity of premarital screening in this prevalent region by evaluating the results of premarital screening that is compulsory for all couples before marriage. Methods: This study was retrospectively conducted between January and November 2013 in Kadirli State Hospital. The results of all couples who applied for premarital screening (n=1994) were included the study. Additionally, screening results of 139 patients, who were admitted to the hospital without premarital screening, were also included in the study. Totally, 2133 screenings were included in this study. All samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine haemoglobinopathies. Results: The number of beta-thalassemia trait was 98 (%4,91) in 1994 premarital screening. Hemoglobin D was the most common abnormal hemoglobin by 5 trait (%0.46) and 1 homozygote (%0.09). Hemoglobin S-Trait was also detected in 2 patient, as well as one HbE trait. The frequency of beta-thalassemia trait was 10 (%7.19) in 139 patients who were admitted to the hospital without premarital screening. None of those had variant hemoglobin type. Conclusion: According to the results of premarital screening, Kadirli beta-thalassemia trait was observed to be over the average of Turkey, while it was below the average of Çukurova and the Mediterranean region where Kadirli is located in. The results showed that premarital hemoglobinopathy screening should be kept being applied for all partners planning to get married in Kadirli. Additionally, all these people with variant Hb traits should be evaluated by further molecular genetic analysis in terms of its diversity of hemoglobinopathies.