A study of hemoglobinopathies and hemoglobin variants by high-performance liquid chromatography and correlation with red blood cell indices in antenatal mothers

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are the most commonly inherited red cell disorder around the world. In India, hemoglobinopathies show wide variation of prevalence in different regions and different populations. Among the several abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) identified till now, Hemoglobin E (HbE) carrier, beta-thalassemia trait, HbS carrier, HbE disease, HbE - Beta thalassemia and HbD Carrier, these are predominantly prevalent in India. Early detection of hemoglobinopathies in the antenatal period is of utmost importance. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and Hb variants in antenatal mothers by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and correlate the findings with red blood cell (RBC) indices. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study carried out in the Department of Pathology and Antenatal Clinic of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital over 18 months. HPLC study was done on 115 antenatal mothers attending the antenatal clinic. Then, we assessed the correlation of RBC indices with HPLC findings. RBC Indices included in our study were mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW). Result: The result showed HbE carrier is the most prevalent hemoglobinopathy in antenatal mothers, followed by beta-thalassemia trait. Hb is slightly lower in antenatal mothers with hemoglobinopthies. Among RBC indices, MCV, MCH, and MCHC are significantly lower, and RDW is significantly higher in antenatal mothers with hemoglobinopathies. Conclusion: The current study observed a significant correlation between HPLC findings and RBC Indices in antenatal mothers with hemoglobinopathies.