Lone A, Ehsan A, Lone D S, Riaz S.
Frequency Of Carrier Rate Of Beta (B) Thalassemia Trait In Females Of Child Bearing Age.
Biomedica Jan ;33(2):100-2.

Background and Objectives: Thalassaemia are genetic disorders characterized reduced synthesis of with β of Q chains of haemoglobin. All over the world including Pakistan, it is a common problem and its magnitude is increasing. In Pakistan the cussin for β thalassaemia is reported between 4.5 – 13% in some major cities. The life expectancy with this disease is about 10 years. The ovarian label data is very patchy and incomplete. This study was designed to find out the frequency of beta (β) thalassaemia trait in females of child bearing age. Methods: This descriptive study females of child bearing age visiting FMH OPD presenting with hypochromic microcytic anemia were selected by non-probability purposive sampling and screened for beta thalassemia trait. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was performed and a raisedHb A2 between 3.5%-7% was considered diagnostic for betathalassaemia trait. The data was analysed by SPSS 19. Results: Three hundred and fifteen females between 16- 45 years were included in the study. Female cohort of child bearing age was mostly young with a mean ± SD age of 26.4 ± 4.8 years. Diagnosis of beta-thalassemia trait was made in 58 out of 315 (18.41%) females of child bearing age. Mean age of females with beta-thalassemia trait was 27.4 SD ± 6.7 years. Fifty one percent of beta thalassemia trait patients had coexistent iron deficiency. Conclusion: β thalassaemia trait was seen in 18.51% females of child bearing ageat our Centre. Coexistent iron deficiency was seen in 51% of beta thalassemia patients.

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