Frequency of Alpha Thalassemia in Pregnant Women with Microcytic Hypochromic Anemias

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to ascertain the frequency of alpha thalassemia in pregnant women present with a microcytic hypochromic blood picture.

Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and the University of Health Sciences Lahore over a period of one year from 2017-2018, enrolling 190 pregnant women with microcytic hypochromic blood picture confirmed via CBC. HPLC and serum ferritin assessments were performed, followed by GAP-PCR for ?-3.7 and ?-4.2 gene deletions.

Results: Among 190 pregnant mothers, 149 women (78.4%) were diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) due to low serum ferritin levels (<30 ng/dL). Additionally, 20 women (10.5%) had ?-thalassemia trait, and 6 women (3.1%) exhibited a co-occurrence of IDA and ?-thalassemia trait. For those with serum ferritin levels above 30 ng/mL, GAP-PCR analysis was conducted. Among this subgroup, 5 women (2.6%) were found to have ?-3.7 gene deletion, while no case of ?-4.2 gene deletion was detected.

Conclusion: Our research emphasizes the high incidence of IDA among expectant mothers. Second, it identifies a 2.6% prevalence of the alpha thalassemia 3.7 gene deletion, indicating that microcytic hypochromic anemia in pregnant women is not solely due to iron deficiency but also involves beta and alpha thalassemia traits. Accurate detection requires tests like Hb-electrophoresis/HPLC and molecular studies.