Prevalence and hematological characteristics of β-thalassemia trait in Gaziantep urban area, Turkey


Gurbak M., Sivasli E., Coskun Y., Bozkurt A. İ., Ergin A.

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, cilt.23, sa.5, ss.419-425, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 23 Sayı: 5
  • Basım Tarihi: 2006
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/08880010600683400
  • Dergi Adı: Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.419-425
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: β-thalassemia trait, Gaziantep, Prevalence, Turkey
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Thalassemia is one of the most common hereditary disorders in the Mediterranean region and studies have shown that the prevalence of β-thalassemia trait is high in the southern part of Turkey. Gaziantep is a city located near this region and, therefore, the authors investigated the prevalence and hematological characteristics of the β-thalassemia traits in primary school students in Gaziantep. Sixty primary schools were selected from a list of all primary schools using a systematic sampling method. Data were collected by a face-to-face questionnaire. Osmotic fragility testing (OFT) using single-tube 0.36% NaCl solution was used for the screening of β-thalassemia. Students who were positive in regard to OFT went through a series of testing, including a complete blood count, serum ferritin levels, serum iron, and hemoglobin electroforesis. Chi-square test was used in statistical analysis. Of the 2439 students enrolled to the study from the selected 60 classrooms, 1353 (55.5%) were male and 1086 (44.5%) were female. The OFT was positive in 115 (4.7%) of the participants. CEA and confirmatory HPLC results of the students who were positive OFT indicated that 70 (60.8%) had normal results, 33(28.7%) showed high HbA2 levels, 7 (6.1%) showed high HbA2 and HbF levels, 5(5.2%) showed high HbA2 and Fe-deficiency anemia, and none showed increased HbF levels. The overall prevalence of β-thalassemia trait was 1.84%. No gender differentials and highest rates among the Kahramanmaras (3.5%) and Sanliurfa (1.7%) born students were the other significant findings of this study. Implementation of a routine carrier-screening program offering genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and selective termination of affected fetuses would be a wise approach to eliminate this disease from the region. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.