Frequency of Beta Thalassemia Trait Among Anemic Pregnant Women Presenting to Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the frequency of β Thalassemia trait among pregnant patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Using a non-probability, consecutive sampling strategy, 200 pregnant women with anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL) in their first and second trimesters were enrolled. Written consent was obtained from all participants. Detailed medical histories, physical examinations, and blood tests, including complete blood count and serum ferritin levels, were performed. Women with serum ferritin levels below 15 μg/dl were classified as having iron deficiency anemia. The presence of β Thalassemia trait was determined by HbA2 levels greater than 3.5%.

Results: The average age of the participants was 26.00 ± 5.34 years. The mean hemoglobin level was 7.68 ± 1.80 g/dl, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 63.26 ± 9.40 fl, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was 18.54 ± 4.54. Among the 200 women, 38 (19%) had mild anemia, 88 (44%) had moderate anemia, and 74 (37%) had severe anemia. Eighteen (9%) women were found to have the β Thalassemia trait. Specifically, 1.5% of those with mild anemia, 4% with moderate anemia, and 3.5% with severe anemia were diagnosed with the β Thalassemia trait.

Conclusion: The β Thalassemia trait was identified in 9% of the anemic pregnant women in this study. These findings highlight the need for routine screening and genetic counseling to manage and prevent β Thalassemia, particularly in populations with high prevalence and risk factors such as consanguineous marriages.