Application of an expanded multiplex genotyping assay for the simultaneous detection of Hemoglobin Constant Spring and common deletional alpha-thalassemia mutations.
Hemoglobin Constant Spring (HbCS) is the most common nondeletional alpha-thalassemia variant causing HbH disease, making its detection crucial in populations at risk. Universal newborn screening for HbH is carried out in California. Identification of alpha-thalassemia genotypes responsible for HbH and HbH-CS requires rapid, accurate and cost-effective genotyping methods suitable for population screening. We incorporated the HbCS mutation into our existing seven-plex genotyping assay for common alpha-thalassemia deletions. To assess the feasibility and diagnostic utility of this expanded multiplex gap-PCR assay, we determined genotypic frequencies of HbCS in samples referred for alpha-thalassemia testing between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2008. During the 3-year study period, 1436 samples were genotyped for alpha-thalassemia. HbH-CS accounted for 23 (13%) of the 176 cases of HbH disease identified. In a subset of 145 newborns referred by the California NBS program with an elevated Hb Bart's level at birth, HbH disease was confirmed in 134 (93%) and HbH-CS identified in 13 (10%) of these. This expanded genotyping assay has proven to be a rapid, reliable and clinically useful diagnostic tool for the detection of HbH-CS disease.
Kidd
J L
JL
Hemoglobinopathy Reference Laboratory, Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, 747 52nd Street, Oakland, CA 94609, USA.
Azimi
M
M
Lubin
B
B
Vichinsky
E
E
Hoppe
C
C
D002140:California; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005838:Genotype; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D017384:Sequence Deletion / Q000235:genetics*; D017085:alpha-Thalassemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*
D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal; C035541:Hemoglobin Constant Spring