Post counselling follow-up of thalassemia in high risk communities.

In India the incidence of beta thalassemia trait in general population is about 3%. There are a number of communities in India such as Sindhi, Lohana, Khoja, Bhanushali, Punjabi, Jain, Muslim and Bengali in whom the incidence of beta thalassemia trait ranges between 8% to 15%. The high incidence can be attributed to consaguinity and endogamy practised in these communities. It is evident that if awareness about the disease is not created in these communities, the number of beta thalassemia major children born will be much higher than the present estimate of about 8,000 to 10,000 per year(l). Laboratory methods are available to test individuals for trait status and to conduct prenatal diagnosis of the fetus in the first and second trimester of pregnancy(2). The birth of thalassemia major child can be prevented by medical termination of pregnancy (MTP)(3). Preventive measures have already been adopted successfully world wide especially in Cyprus and Sardinia where the disease has been almost prevented(4).