Carrier frequency of β-Thalassaemia in Twin-Cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Abstract

Background: To determine the prevalence of β-
thalassaemia carriers in twin-cities of Islamabad and
Rawalpindi.
Methods: In this descriptive study, people were
motivated to get screened for β- thalassaemia trait.
Hemoglobin level, RBC count, MCV, MCH was measured.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis was performed if MCH was
less than 27pg, MCV less than 75fl and RBC count more
than 5 million. If HbA2 was 3.5%or higher, thalassaemia
trait was diagnosed.
Results: A total of 2101 people were screened in camps
held at offices of Federal Ministry of Health & Pakistan
Post, two villages( Terlai & Phoolgran) in the suburbs of
Islamabad, Fatima Jinnah and Foundation Universities
and other educational institutions. 85(4.05%) were found to
be carriers of β-thalassaemia.
Conclusion: β-Thalassaemia Trait has a carrier
frequency of around 4% in twin-cities and suburbs