Beta-thalassemia major births after National Screening Program in Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
A National Thalassemia Screening Program was adopted in Taiwan in 1993. This report examined that program's results and impact.


METHODS
Patients with beta-thalassemia major born between 1994 and 2003 were recruited through the help of all thalassemia clinics in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect the reasons for affected births.


RESULTS
There were 97 affected births from 1994 to 2003.These births resulted after informed choice (n = 4), screening problems (n = 83), and undetermined causes (n = 10). Approximately 83% (5/6) of affected births in 2003 came from interracial marriages.


CONCLUSIONS
This report has identified several areas that might improve the thalassemia-screening program, including carrier screening in high school rather than in early pregnancy and the involvement of genetic counselors, providing care of new female immigrants.
Chern
Jimmy P S
JP
Department of Family Medicine, Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Department of Health, Taiwan.
Lin
Kai-Hsin
KH
Lu
Meng-Yao
MY
Lin
Dong-Tsamn
DT
Jou
Shiann-Tarng
ST
Yang
Yung-Li
YL
Chang
Hsiu-Hao
HH
Su
Syi
S
Lin
Kuo-Sin
KS
D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D044469:Racial Groups; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*