Screening for Various Haemoglobinopathies to Observe Prevalence and Patterns in Population of District Datia (M.P.), India

Purpose: Haemoglobinopathies are the most common inherited disorder of Red Blood Cells across globe and one of the major public health problems in many regions of India. Variation in ethnic and regional prevalence is observed. The prevalence and pattern of haemoglobinopathies in Datia region has not been reported limiting the knowledge of diseases profile in this region. Present work showed the broad view of various haemoglobinopathies in the local area and population at risk. Efforts were made to identify prevalence of Sickle cell anaemia, β-thalassemia major and G-6-P-D deficiency among patients attending various OPDs of District Hospital, Datia, Madhya Pradesh, India. Methods: All anaemia patients referred by Govt. hospitals/facilities (Datia District hospital) exhibiting anaemia were screened for various haemoglobinopathies. A total of 605 cases exhibiting anemia received from September 2017 to March 2020 at the Model Rural Health Research Unit (MRHRU), Datia, M.P. were tested for different haemoglobinopathies. Samples were received from District Hospital Datia. The samples were tested by solubility and cellulose acetate electrophoresis and HPLC and G6PD deficiency. Results: A total 605 patients were screened for haemoglobinopathies from District Hospital, Datia. It was found that 13 cases (2.14%) were of β thalassemia trait and other rare variants followed by 4 cases (0.66%)of sickle cell trait. A total of 3 cases (0.5%) of β thalassemia major was observed in total samples of 605. Conclusion: Very low prevalence rate of Sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia was observed. Large scale screening in the region is required for identifying the true burden.