Detection of Alpha Thalasemia in Cord Blood in Bahawalpur Region

Background: Neonatal screening for abnormal hemoglobins provides a practical approach for the detection of sickling syndromes and other hemoglobin disorders such as a-thalassemia. Most screening programs utilize various electrophoretic techniques for the detection of abnormal hemoglobins Electrophoresis on cellulose acetate at pH 8.6 identifies increased amounts of Bart’s hemoglobin (Hb) associated with alpha thalassemia. Aim: To detect incidence of Alpha thalasemia in Bahawalpur region so that early measures can be taken in follow up of such patients.. Methods: cellulose electrophoresis technique was used on 205 cord samples received from Bahawal Victoria Hospital and were analyzed for presence of Hemoglobin Bart. Out of 205 samples, 2 had positive Bart Hemoglobin. Results: Estimation of Hb,PCV, RBC count, MCV, MCH and MCHC was done on suitable samples. In the present series two cases of alpha thalassaemia were diagnosed, making an overall prevalence of 0.97%. Blood from the umbilical cord (cord blood) is screened for haemoglobinopathies in several neonatal screening programmes Conclusion: Cellulose Electrophoresis technique is reliable for screening for haemoglobinopathies. It enables early detection and reporting of all major haemoglobinopathies. Detection of alpha thalasemia carriers could be helpful for clinicians to think of mild anemia later in life which could be refractory to iron therapy.