Screening of thalassemia minor in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy

Hemoglobinopathy is defined as a blood disorder caused by a genetically determined change in the molecular structure of hemoglobin. Abnormalities of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis are among the most common inherited disorders of man and can be quantitative (thalassemia syndrome) or qualitative (variant Hemoglobins). Screening is a process used to identify individuals who are at high risk of having or of developing, a specific disease when compared with the general population. In India, they are responsible for the largest number of genetic disorders and thalassemia. To screen pregnant females in the first and second trimesters for thalassemia minor This study was conducted at Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at a tertiary care hospital. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, from January 2013 to June 2014. A complete medical history and informed consent were obtained from all participants. Levels of Hb A, Hb A2, Hb F, and Hb variants were measured by cation exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Of the 1,350 pregnant females, 48 had thalassemia minor positive on screening. From the obstetrician’s point of view, prevention and control in pregnant women is one of the best ways to reduce the birth of severe thalassemia in major infants.