[Genetic Analysis, Prenatal Diagnosis and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis of Taiwanese Deletion β-Thalassemia].

OBJECTIVE

To perform genetic analysis, prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in a family with a rare deletional β- thalassemia.

METHODS

Hematological parameters of the peripheral blood collected from all the family members were analyzed by whole blood cell analysis and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Polymerase chain reaction-reverse dot blot (PCR-RDB) was used to identify 17 common β- thalassemia gene mutations, the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) were used to identify β- globin gene cluster deletions. Chorionic villus sample or umbilical cord blood was obtained for prenatal diagnosis. Oligo-cells from blastocyst biopsy were collected for preimplantation genetic diagnosis by whole genome amplification and next generation sequencing.

RESULTS

The proband was a carrier of Taiwanese deletion β- thalassemia, two fetuses were both thalassemia majors. The PGD results showed that 6 of 11 tested embryos could be choose for transplantation.

CONCLUSION

The Taiwanese deletion is a rare type deletion of β- globin gene cluster, and it can lead to thalassemia intermedia or thalassemia major when compounded with other β- globin gene mutation. PGD is another choice for thalassemia couples.