β-Thalassaemia and its Co-existence with Haemoglobin E and Haemoglobin S in Upper Assam Region of North Eastern India: A Hospital Based Study GC01-GC04
Correspondence
Dr. Anju Barhai Teli,
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh-786002, Assam, India.
E-mail: dr.anjub.t@gmail.com
Introduction: ß-Thalassaemias are common genetic disorders in the Indian subcontinent and its status has not been well studied in the Upper Assam region of North Eastern India.
Aim: The aim of the study was to show the prevalence of ß- thalassaemias and its co-existence with Haemoglobin E and Haemoglobin S in the Upper Assam region of North Eastern India.
Materials and Methods: A total of 1200 anaemic patients were investigated for ß- thalassaemias. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were done for screening.
Results: Out of 1200 patients screened, 5.83% ß-thalassaemia trait, 2.33% compound Hb E/ß-Thalassaemia, 1.33% ß-thalassaemia major and 0.42% compound Hb S/ß- thalassaemia were detected. A high incidence of thalassaemia is found among the people of Upper Assam region of North Eastern India.
Conclusion: The only way to prevent the disease is carrier detection and awareness among the people about it.