Distribution of Hemoglobinopathies among Premarital Couples in Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Hemoglobinopathies are inherited diseases of hemoglobin synthesis arising from mutations and/or deletions of one or more of the globin genes resulting in the production of abnormal hemoglobin molecules and subsequently reduced synthesis of normal alpha and beta globin chains in Hemoglobin molecules. In this study, we attempted to assess the distribution of hemoglobinopathies in Saudi Premarital couples planning to marry and applying for a marriage license in Al Majmaah region and attending the premarital screening center of King Khaled General Hospital (KKGH), Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. In total, 4009 cases were screened for hemoglobinopathies by using the Bio-rad Variant II cation exchange-high-performance liquid chromatography (CE-HPLC) system. The total number of abnormal hemoglobin fractions on cation exchange-HPLC (CEHPLC) was 127 cases. Sickle cell trait was the predominant genetic hemoglobin disorder accounting for 66 of the total cases. This was followed by the Beta-thalassemia trait in 50 cases, sickle-cell disease in 9 cases, HgbE disease in 1 case, and HgbD trait in 1 case. The outcome of this study indicated that the Saudi population in this area is at low risk for hemoglobin disorders. sickle cell trait and β-thalassemia trait were the most common Hb disorders in Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia.
