DETECTING THE PREVALENCE AND AWARENESS OF CARRIER RATE OF THALASSEMIA IN A COHORT OF UNIVERSITY STUDENT POPULATION IN SRI LANKA
(Abstract release date: 05/19/16)
EHA Library. Gunawardena D. 06/09/16; 135029; PB2129
Dr. Dammika Gunawardena
Contributions
Contributions
Abstract
Abstract: PB2129
Type: Publication Only
Background
BACK GROUND - The thalassemias are a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by a reduction or absent production of one or more of the globin chains that make up the haemoglobin tetramers. Two main types, α and β thalassemias are seen according to the type of globin chain involved, and there are other types although not common such as δβ γδβ thalassemias which are identified.Thalassemias pose an increasing health problem for the Indian subcontinent and many Asian countries. Worldwide 56,000 conceptions have a thalassemia major of which approximately 30,000 are affected by β-thalassemia major and 3500 succumb to hydrops fetalis syndrome. Most of these patients are born in developing and low income countries where they create an enormous health burden. There is a significant increment of thalassemia carrier rate in Sri Lanka, probably an unestimated increment in alpha thalassemia. The increment of the number of patients with thalassemia form 2,094 in the year 2005 to 4,924 by the year 2010 in Sri Lanka is a major concern where further attention is necessary in investigating in to the failure of the general understanding and counselling the of thalassemia carriers. An analytical cross sectional study was done on 384 undergraduates in University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka during year 2015. Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and awareness of thalassemia trait among the students of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Aims
Aim is to screen the university student population who are the next generation to be married and a potential group of the population where effective screening and genetic counseling for thalassemia can be done. This university represents students from all parts of the country and hence a cross section of the country is represented.
Methods
Venous blood was obtained from the students from the four faculties and pre tested self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information regarding awareness about thalassemia trait among the participants. Samples were analyzed by the fully automated hematology analyzer Sysmex SX 500i. The initial diagnosis of thalassemia carrier was done by using red cell indices of the analyzer report combined with the blood picture reported by the consultant haematologist. Final confirmation was done by quantifying the HbA2 levels by HPLC. (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Results
Of the 384 blood samples tested, 53 (13.8 %) had hypochromic microcytic red cell indices (MCV <80 fL, MCH <27 pg) with normal iron studies. Fifteen students (3.9 %) were possible alpha thalassemia carriers where they showed thalassemia indices with normal iron profile and HPLC (A2 levels <3.5%) with the blood picture showing typical changes of thalassemia carrier. Eleven students (2.9 %) were carriers of beta thalassemia. Out of 384, twenty seven students (7 %) showed a haemoglobin level between 7-11.5g/dl with no obvious thalassemia indices or blood pictures finding of thalassemia and they had low serum ferritin levels. Out of 384 questionnaires, only two hundred and twenty two (77.6 %) were aware of thalassemia major and out of them, only hundred and sixty five (88.7 %) knew that pre- marital screening could prevent thalassemia. This knowledge was mainly obtained by news items and television.
Conclusion
The awareness of thalassemia in the cohort of students tested was not satisfactory and it highlights the importance of introducing methods to improve their basic knowledge of the disease. This also detected the Beta thalassemia carrier rate to be 2.9% which are compatible with the results of the studies done previously on thalassemia in Sri Lanka, however there seems to be a trend in higher levels of suspected alpha thalassemia rate which was found to be 3.9% which needs attention. These need to be confirmed by genetic studies which are financially difficult in the current set up. An incidental finding of anaemia of 27 students was important in a young university student population who are the future workforce of the country. This study highlights the importance of continuing the screening campaigns specially the student screening programmes, pre-marital counseling and new born screening service that are of paramount importance in reducing the births of thalassemia major.
Session topic: E-poster
Keyword(s): Anemia, Hemoglobin variants, Red blood cell, Thalassemia
Type: Publication Only
Background
BACK GROUND - The thalassemias are a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by a reduction or absent production of one or more of the globin chains that make up the haemoglobin tetramers. Two main types, α and β thalassemias are seen according to the type of globin chain involved, and there are other types although not common such as δβ γδβ thalassemias which are identified.Thalassemias pose an increasing health problem for the Indian subcontinent and many Asian countries. Worldwide 56,000 conceptions have a thalassemia major of which approximately 30,000 are affected by β-thalassemia major and 3500 succumb to hydrops fetalis syndrome. Most of these patients are born in developing and low income countries where they create an enormous health burden. There is a significant increment of thalassemia carrier rate in Sri Lanka, probably an unestimated increment in alpha thalassemia. The increment of the number of patients with thalassemia form 2,094 in the year 2005 to 4,924 by the year 2010 in Sri Lanka is a major concern where further attention is necessary in investigating in to the failure of the general understanding and counselling the of thalassemia carriers. An analytical cross sectional study was done on 384 undergraduates in University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka during year 2015. Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and awareness of thalassemia trait among the students of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Aims
Aim is to screen the university student population who are the next generation to be married and a potential group of the population where effective screening and genetic counseling for thalassemia can be done. This university represents students from all parts of the country and hence a cross section of the country is represented.
Methods
Venous blood was obtained from the students from the four faculties and pre tested self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information regarding awareness about thalassemia trait among the participants. Samples were analyzed by the fully automated hematology analyzer Sysmex SX 500i. The initial diagnosis of thalassemia carrier was done by using red cell indices of the analyzer report combined with the blood picture reported by the consultant haematologist. Final confirmation was done by quantifying the HbA2 levels by HPLC. (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Results
Of the 384 blood samples tested, 53 (13.8 %) had hypochromic microcytic red cell indices (MCV <80 fL, MCH <27 pg) with normal iron studies. Fifteen students (3.9 %) were possible alpha thalassemia carriers where they showed thalassemia indices with normal iron profile and HPLC (A2 levels <3.5%) with the blood picture showing typical changes of thalassemia carrier. Eleven students (2.9 %) were carriers of beta thalassemia. Out of 384, twenty seven students (7 %) showed a haemoglobin level between 7-11.5g/dl with no obvious thalassemia indices or blood pictures finding of thalassemia and they had low serum ferritin levels. Out of 384 questionnaires, only two hundred and twenty two (77.6 %) were aware of thalassemia major and out of them, only hundred and sixty five (88.7 %) knew that pre- marital screening could prevent thalassemia. This knowledge was mainly obtained by news items and television.
Conclusion
The awareness of thalassemia in the cohort of students tested was not satisfactory and it highlights the importance of introducing methods to improve their basic knowledge of the disease. This also detected the Beta thalassemia carrier rate to be 2.9% which are compatible with the results of the studies done previously on thalassemia in Sri Lanka, however there seems to be a trend in higher levels of suspected alpha thalassemia rate which was found to be 3.9% which needs attention. These need to be confirmed by genetic studies which are financially difficult in the current set up. An incidental finding of anaemia of 27 students was important in a young university student population who are the future workforce of the country. This study highlights the importance of continuing the screening campaigns specially the student screening programmes, pre-marital counseling and new born screening service that are of paramount importance in reducing the births of thalassemia major.
Session topic: E-poster
Keyword(s): Anemia, Hemoglobin variants, Red blood cell, Thalassemia
Abstract: PB2129
Type: Publication Only
Background
BACK GROUND - The thalassemias are a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by a reduction or absent production of one or more of the globin chains that make up the haemoglobin tetramers. Two main types, α and β thalassemias are seen according to the type of globin chain involved, and there are other types although not common such as δβ γδβ thalassemias which are identified.Thalassemias pose an increasing health problem for the Indian subcontinent and many Asian countries. Worldwide 56,000 conceptions have a thalassemia major of which approximately 30,000 are affected by β-thalassemia major and 3500 succumb to hydrops fetalis syndrome. Most of these patients are born in developing and low income countries where they create an enormous health burden. There is a significant increment of thalassemia carrier rate in Sri Lanka, probably an unestimated increment in alpha thalassemia. The increment of the number of patients with thalassemia form 2,094 in the year 2005 to 4,924 by the year 2010 in Sri Lanka is a major concern where further attention is necessary in investigating in to the failure of the general understanding and counselling the of thalassemia carriers. An analytical cross sectional study was done on 384 undergraduates in University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka during year 2015. Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and awareness of thalassemia trait among the students of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Aims
Aim is to screen the university student population who are the next generation to be married and a potential group of the population where effective screening and genetic counseling for thalassemia can be done. This university represents students from all parts of the country and hence a cross section of the country is represented.
Methods
Venous blood was obtained from the students from the four faculties and pre tested self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information regarding awareness about thalassemia trait among the participants. Samples were analyzed by the fully automated hematology analyzer Sysmex SX 500i. The initial diagnosis of thalassemia carrier was done by using red cell indices of the analyzer report combined with the blood picture reported by the consultant haematologist. Final confirmation was done by quantifying the HbA2 levels by HPLC. (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Results
Of the 384 blood samples tested, 53 (13.8 %) had hypochromic microcytic red cell indices (MCV <80 fL, MCH <27 pg) with normal iron studies. Fifteen students (3.9 %) were possible alpha thalassemia carriers where they showed thalassemia indices with normal iron profile and HPLC (A2 levels <3.5%) with the blood picture showing typical changes of thalassemia carrier. Eleven students (2.9 %) were carriers of beta thalassemia. Out of 384, twenty seven students (7 %) showed a haemoglobin level between 7-11.5g/dl with no obvious thalassemia indices or blood pictures finding of thalassemia and they had low serum ferritin levels. Out of 384 questionnaires, only two hundred and twenty two (77.6 %) were aware of thalassemia major and out of them, only hundred and sixty five (88.7 %) knew that pre- marital screening could prevent thalassemia. This knowledge was mainly obtained by news items and television.
Conclusion
The awareness of thalassemia in the cohort of students tested was not satisfactory and it highlights the importance of introducing methods to improve their basic knowledge of the disease. This also detected the Beta thalassemia carrier rate to be 2.9% which are compatible with the results of the studies done previously on thalassemia in Sri Lanka, however there seems to be a trend in higher levels of suspected alpha thalassemia rate which was found to be 3.9% which needs attention. These need to be confirmed by genetic studies which are financially difficult in the current set up. An incidental finding of anaemia of 27 students was important in a young university student population who are the future workforce of the country. This study highlights the importance of continuing the screening campaigns specially the student screening programmes, pre-marital counseling and new born screening service that are of paramount importance in reducing the births of thalassemia major.
Session topic: E-poster
Keyword(s): Anemia, Hemoglobin variants, Red blood cell, Thalassemia
Type: Publication Only
Background
BACK GROUND - The thalassemias are a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by a reduction or absent production of one or more of the globin chains that make up the haemoglobin tetramers. Two main types, α and β thalassemias are seen according to the type of globin chain involved, and there are other types although not common such as δβ γδβ thalassemias which are identified.Thalassemias pose an increasing health problem for the Indian subcontinent and many Asian countries. Worldwide 56,000 conceptions have a thalassemia major of which approximately 30,000 are affected by β-thalassemia major and 3500 succumb to hydrops fetalis syndrome. Most of these patients are born in developing and low income countries where they create an enormous health burden. There is a significant increment of thalassemia carrier rate in Sri Lanka, probably an unestimated increment in alpha thalassemia. The increment of the number of patients with thalassemia form 2,094 in the year 2005 to 4,924 by the year 2010 in Sri Lanka is a major concern where further attention is necessary in investigating in to the failure of the general understanding and counselling the of thalassemia carriers. An analytical cross sectional study was done on 384 undergraduates in University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka during year 2015. Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and awareness of thalassemia trait among the students of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Aims
Aim is to screen the university student population who are the next generation to be married and a potential group of the population where effective screening and genetic counseling for thalassemia can be done. This university represents students from all parts of the country and hence a cross section of the country is represented.
Methods
Venous blood was obtained from the students from the four faculties and pre tested self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information regarding awareness about thalassemia trait among the participants. Samples were analyzed by the fully automated hematology analyzer Sysmex SX 500i. The initial diagnosis of thalassemia carrier was done by using red cell indices of the analyzer report combined with the blood picture reported by the consultant haematologist. Final confirmation was done by quantifying the HbA2 levels by HPLC. (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Results
Of the 384 blood samples tested, 53 (13.8 %) had hypochromic microcytic red cell indices (MCV <80 fL, MCH <27 pg) with normal iron studies. Fifteen students (3.9 %) were possible alpha thalassemia carriers where they showed thalassemia indices with normal iron profile and HPLC (A2 levels <3.5%) with the blood picture showing typical changes of thalassemia carrier. Eleven students (2.9 %) were carriers of beta thalassemia. Out of 384, twenty seven students (7 %) showed a haemoglobin level between 7-11.5g/dl with no obvious thalassemia indices or blood pictures finding of thalassemia and they had low serum ferritin levels. Out of 384 questionnaires, only two hundred and twenty two (77.6 %) were aware of thalassemia major and out of them, only hundred and sixty five (88.7 %) knew that pre- marital screening could prevent thalassemia. This knowledge was mainly obtained by news items and television.
Conclusion
The awareness of thalassemia in the cohort of students tested was not satisfactory and it highlights the importance of introducing methods to improve their basic knowledge of the disease. This also detected the Beta thalassemia carrier rate to be 2.9% which are compatible with the results of the studies done previously on thalassemia in Sri Lanka, however there seems to be a trend in higher levels of suspected alpha thalassemia rate which was found to be 3.9% which needs attention. These need to be confirmed by genetic studies which are financially difficult in the current set up. An incidental finding of anaemia of 27 students was important in a young university student population who are the future workforce of the country. This study highlights the importance of continuing the screening campaigns specially the student screening programmes, pre-marital counseling and new born screening service that are of paramount importance in reducing the births of thalassemia major.
Session topic: E-poster
Keyword(s): Anemia, Hemoglobin variants, Red blood cell, Thalassemia
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