Analysis of screening of thalassemia for 5450 adults in reproductive age in Yunnan province,China

Objective To investigate the prevalence rate of thalassemia carriers in the adults at reproductive age in Yunnan province,southwest of China. Methods A total of 5 450 subjects including the couple of the preconception counselling and pregnant woman accepted prenatal diagnosis were examined by Hb electrophoresis and routine hematological test. The positive results of Hb electrophoresis and / or routine hematological test suggested thalassemia carriers or patients. All the data were statistically analyzed. Result Among the 5 450 subjects,570 cases were suspected as thalassemia carriers or patients( 10. 5%). The highest positive rates of thalassemia in different ethnic groups was Dai( 29. 0%),followed by Lisu( 26. 7%),Zhuang( 25. 0%) and Hui( 13. 4%). The region with highest positive rate was Dehong Prefecture( 25. 0%),followed by Xishuangbanna( 21. 7%) and Wenshan( 20. 1%). Conclusion High prevalence rate of thalassemia was demonstrated in Yunnan. Combination of the routine hematological test and the hemoglobin electrophoresis may be the available method for screening of thalassemia carriers.