PREVALENCE OF BETA THALASSEMIA IN A SAMPLE OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN SULAIMANI CITY

Ahmed Faiq Mustafa a and Adnan Mohammed Hassan b



a Kurdistan Board Medical Studies Candidate.
b Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani. 


Submitted: 28/6/2018; Accepted: 14/10/2018; Published 21/12/2018
ABSTRACT


Background 

Beta thalassemia is a major health problem in Sulaimani. The disease is usually diagnosed early but puts a huge burden on the health sector due, as well as a high morbidity and mortality of the Patient. The carrier state is mostly under diagnosed.


Objectives 

To determine the prevalence of Beta thalassemia trait in school aged children in Sulaimani city.


Materials and Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study, undertook in 2 months peroid in 2017 in Sulaimani city, in which a total of 300 students were randomly taken from five primary school. A complete blood count was done, the serum hemoglobin electrophoresis and iron studies were done for individuals with anemia (PCV < 36%) or microcytosis (MCV < 76 fL).


Results

Out of 300 subjects 43 (14.3%) had anemia (including 17 (5.7%) had iron deficiency anemia), 13 (4.3%) had Beta thalassemia (major and minor).


Conclusion

The high prevalence rate of Beta thalassemia carrier state necessitates strengthening the preventive program, and neonatal screening to control and prevent cases of thalassemia major.


KEYWORDS

Beta thalassemia, Anemia, Prevention, Sulaimani.

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