title: Hematological status of beta-thalassemics in Madras.
abstract: Although rapid technical advances have taken place in the diagnosis of beta-thalassemia, still the hematological factors were found to be suitable screening test in areas like Indian subcontinent where a high prevalence of beta-thalassemia trait was observed. Among various thalassemias reported in Asian Indians, beta-thalassemia account for about 80% and is responsible for very high infantile mortality. Despite this, little is known about the hematological status of beta-thalassemias among this ethnic group which is associated with more than five different predominant beta-globin mutation with high frequency and variable number of rare ones. The present study is the first report of hematological status of beta-thalassemia among this ethnic group particularly from Tamil Nadu, Southern India, who are still practising high degree of consanguinity. In the present study, a total number of 364 beta-thalassemics were investigated. This includes 84 cases of homozygous beta-thalassemias and the remaining 280 were heterozygotes. The hematological factors such as red cell indices, hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A2 were assessed. The results revealed a wide spectrum of hematological variables ranging from severe form as that of Mediterranean thalassemias to very mild form of anemia as that of African Negro population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Centre, San Antonio 78284-7800.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mohan
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sarkar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D005260:Female; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006443:Hemoglobin A2 / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D006443:Hemoglobin A2; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin