Evaluation of hemoglobinopathy carrier rates in Bilecik hemoglobinopathy diagnosis centre

DOI: 10.4328/JCAM.5862 Received: 09.04.2018 Accepted: 08.05.2018 Published Online: 15.05.2018 Printed: 01.03.2019 J Clin Anal Med 2019;10(2): 170-2 Corresponding Author: Saadet Celik, Medical Biochemistry, Bilecik Public Health Laboratory, Bilecik, Turkey. GSM: +905300668034 E-Mail: saadetkader@hotmail.com ORCID ID: 0000-0003-0646-946X Abstract Aim: Hemoglobinopathies are important public health problems with high mortality and morbidity rates. Additionally, they are amongst the most common inherited disorders in Turkey and can be preventable with the help of premarital screening programs. The aim of the present study was to analyse the hemoglobinopathy test results in individuals who applied to the hemoglobinopathy diagnosis centre in Bilecik/Turkey. Material and Method: In our study, hemoglobinopathy test results from January 2006 to April 2017 in Bilecik Hemoglobinopathy Diagnostic Centre were evaluated retrospectively. Blood samples from individuals who applied for pre-marriage counselling and general screening were collected and hemoglobinopathies (Hb A0, A1C, A2, F, C, D, E, and S) were screened by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results: A total of 23,676 people were included in the present study. Beta-thalassemia trait was detected in 1,317 (5.5%) and, HbA2 at a level over 3.5% was detected in 1,177 (5.0%). Additionally, elevated HbF levels were over 2% of individuals (324/23,676). The positivity of hemoglobin D and HbS traits were 0.06% (15 patients) and 0.01% (two patients) respectively. Discussion: In the present study the positive rate of HbA2 was 4.6%. When comparedThis finding was higher than the overall average rate in Turkey. The rate is similar to those in studies from Istanbul and the Mediterranean region, but it is higher than in studies from Bursa and Kocaeli. Our results indicated that premarital hemoglobinopathy screening should be continued for all partners planning to get married and for each individual in Bilecik who may potentially have a hemoglobinopathy trait.