Prevalence of β-thalassemia trait in premarital screening in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The Al-Hassa area is one of the regions in Saudi Arabia where hemoglobinopathies are prevalent. The Saudi Ministry Of Heath designed a protocol for premarital testing after the royal decree in December 2003. The protocol was implemented in a February 2004 order. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of β-thalassemia trait among subjects coming for premarital screening in the Al-Hassa area. Subjects and methods: From February 2004 to November 2004, health y subjects coming to six marriages consultation centers in the Al-Hassa area underwent routine mandatory tests. Subjects were considered to have β-thalassemia trait if they had a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <80 fL and/or a mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) <27 pg and a hemoglobin A2 level >3.2%. Venous blood was taken into an EDTA tube and the complete blood count and red blood cell indices were measured by a Coulter automated cell counter on the same day of hemoglobin collection. Electrophoresis was done on cellulose acetate. Results: All Saudi parti cipants (n=8918), including 4218 (47.3%) males and 4700 (52.7%) females were screened. The prevalence of β-thassemia trait with high hemoglobin A2 and microcytic hypochromic anemia was 3.4% (307/8918). Conclusion: In countries with a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathlies, a premarital screening program is helpful for identification and prevention of high-risk marriages, With a 3.4% prevalence of β-thalassemia trait in premarital couples, future comprehensive programs are needed to know the actual prevalence of β-thalassemia in Al-Hassa.