Hemoglobin levels and red blood cell indices in mid-gestational fetuses with beta-thalassemia/HbE, beta-thalassemia trait or Hb E trait and normal fetuses

• Main Authors: Srisupundit K., Wanapirak C., Sirichotiyakul S., Tongprasert F., Leuwan S., Traisrisilp K., Tongsong T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84889648246&partnerID=40&md5=fdf0316bb6fbae82837c086344c5857f; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/4206
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

Objective: To compare red blood cell indices among normal, beta-thalassemia trait or hemoglobin (Hb) E trait, and beta-thalassemia/Hb E diseases mid-gestational fetuses. Methods: One hundred seventy-five fetuses at risk of beta-thalassemia/Hb E disease undergoing cordocentesis with determination of Hb levels and red blood cell indices at mid-pregnancy were recruited. The fetal diagnoses were based on fetal Hb typing and DNA analysis. The fetuses were divided into three groups: normal, beta-thalassemia trait or Hb E trait, and beta-thalassemia/Hb E disease. Results: The prevalence of beta-thalassemia/Hb E disease, beta-thalassemia trait or Hb E trait, and normal fetuses was 32.6% (57 cases), 28.6% (50 cases) and 36.6% (64 cases), respectively. Mean Hb levels and red blood cell indices were not significantly different among the three groups of fetuses. However, almost 10% of beta-thalassemia/Hb E fetuses had some degree of anemia. The most anemic fetuses had a β0 mutation. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in Hb level and red blood cell indices among fetuses at risk of beta-thalassemia/Hb E disease. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.