INCIDENCE OF β-THALASSEMIA CARRIERS IN MUZAFFARABAD, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Background and Objective: β-thalassemia is a common problem among the haemoglobinopathies in Pakistan, with a high carrier rate. Consangious marriages are increasing the problem every year. Awa-reness and counselling is essential to check the problem. The present study was designed to determine the frequency of β-thalassemia carriers in healthy population from Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In this cross – sectional population based study, people from Muzaffarabad were motivated to get themselves tested for beta thalassemia trait. Methods: People found healthy on basis of a questionnaire and clinical examination were included in the study. Complete blood counts and peripheral smear reviews were performed on EDTA samples. Hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis was performed. Subjects with mean corpuscular volume (MCV), 76 fl, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), 27 pg were subjected to HbA2 level estimation by elution method. Hemo-globin A2 of more than 3.5% was considered diagnostic for beta-thalassemia trait. Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a territory with considerable ethnic heterogeneity. This is basically a tribal society with a high proposition of consanguineous marriages. We created awareness among the general population. Conclusion: Using strict criteria for healthy population, we conclude that incidence of thalassemia trait is 5.6% in our study population. β-thalassemia trait is present in almost all ethnic groups. To control thalassemia major, Screening program for thalassemia carriers must be initiated in the area.