PREMARITAL SCREENING TEST RESULTS FOR β-THALASSEMIA AND SICKLE CELL ANEMIA TRAIT IN EAST MEDITERRANEAN REGION OF TURKEY

Abstract

Hemoglobinopathies are common diseases in Mediterranean region of Turkey. In this study, the results of a 3-year premarital screening program are reported in Kahramanmaras province, which is located in East Mediterranean region. A total of 48,126 persons were screened in this program. Hematological analyses and electrophoresis were done to identify carriers. The prevalence of β-thalassemia trait and of sickle cell anemia trait, which were 2.1% and 0.5% in Turkey, were found to be 2.8% and 0.4%, respectively, in our study. Of the carriers of the β-thalassemia trait, 82% had high hemoglobin A₂, 34% had high hemoglobin F, and 18% had both high hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A₂. β-Thalassemia trait in Kahramanmaras is slightly higher than the average rate in Turkey. However, sickle cell anemia trait is similar to Turkey's averages.