Thalassaemia and haemoglobinopathies in Brunei Darussalam.
One thousand consecutive Brunei Darussalam patients referred with low Hb, and/or low MCV and MCH (Hb < 12.5g/dl, MCV < 76fl, MCH < 27pg) were studied in the laboratory for underlying haemoglobinopathies. 30.0% of such patients were proved to have either beta-thalassaemia trait, beta-thalassaemia major, Hb AE, Hb EE, Hb E beta-thalassaemia or Hb H disease. In some, the haemoglobin abnormality was not identified precisely. Alpha-thalassaemia was suspected in an additional 4.3% of cases but confirmation study by globin-chain synthesis was not available. Beta-thalassaemia trait which was the predominant disorder was equally distributed among the three major race groups of Brunei Darussalam. Hb E was found exclusive among the Malay population. Hb H disease appeared as more common among the Chinese or the Malays (p > 0.05). This study reveals that thalassaemia and haemoglobinopathies are prevalent in Brunei Darussalam.
Ismail
J B
JB
Haemolytic Anaemia Unit, Ripas Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
D002010:Brunei / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006453:Hemoglobinopathies / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics