Evaluation of hemoglobinopathy screening results of a six year period in Turkey

Background and Objectives: Hemoglobinopathies are autosomal recessive inherited diseases more commonly seen in Mediterranean countries. Hereditary blood diseases including Bthalassemia and sickle cell anemia are important health problems. In our study we aimed to analyze the results of the premarital hemoglobinopathy screening test for a 6 years period in Hatay region. Material and Methods: The study sample comprised the couples attending to the Mother and Child Health Care Center in Hatay for premarital hemoglobinopathy screening from 2004 to 2009. Hemoglobin chain analyses of 87.830 couples were evaluated. Results: 175.660 people were screened at total. The prevalence of beta thalassemia trait, sickle cell anemia trait, sickle cell anemia, beta thalassemia major, beta-thalassemia intermedia, alphathalassemia, alpha-thalassemia trait was found as 13.921 (7,9%), 6.074 (3,4%), 631 (0.35%), 132 (0.07%), 118 (0.06%), 9 (0.005%), 150 (0.08%) respectively. 72 newborns with betathalassemia were diagnosed as a result of the marriage of the carrier couples in 6 years. Conclusions: Hatay is a high risk region for beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia trait. In countries with high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies, a premarital screening program and counseling is needed to decrease the prevalence.