Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies in Southeast Asian newborns: diagnostic assessment using capillary electrophoresis system.

BACKGROUND

We have investigated the Capillarys 2 Hemoglobin testing system to assist in presumptive diagnosis of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies commonly found in Southeast Asia.

METHODS

Study was conducted on 226 newborns. Hematological parameters were recorded and Hb profiles were examined on the Capillarys 2 Hemoglobin analyzer (SEBIA). DNA analyses were used to establish the final diagnoses.

RESULTS

Among 226 newborns examined, 122 had thalassemias with 17 different genotypes. The capillary electrophoresis system could provide useful data for presumptive diagnoses of cases, especially those with Hb E and α-thalassemia. Hb E was found to be 2.6-6.2% in heterozygote whereas Hb Bart's were clearly observed in cases with compound heterozygous or homozygous α(+)-thalassemia and heterozygous α(0)-thalassemia. Hb H disease and other forms of α-thalassemia could be differentiated based on the presence of Hb Bart's and its percentage.

CONCLUSION

The capillary electrophoresis system is applicable to newborn screening for common forms of thalassemia in Southeast Asia.