Assessment of the Frequency of Beta Thalassemia Trait in Pregnant Anaemic Patients

Abstract

Background: To determine the frequency of beta thalassemia trait in anaemic pregnant women
in order to assess the gravity of this disease and to identify high risk group, to prevent
complications of thalassemia in newborn
Material & Methods: Three hundred forty (340) anaemic pregnant women, anaemia confirmed
on complete blood count laboratory report, were selected. Their peripheral blood smear, RBC
indices and haemoglobin electrophoresis were sent to assess for the presence of beta
thalassemia trait.
Results: Frequency of beta thalassemia trait in pregnant anaemic women was found to be 5.3%
using haemoglobin electrophoresis as gold standard for detection of beta thalassemia trait.
Conclusion:Study showed that 5.3% of pregnant anaemic women had beta thalassemia trait