Spatial Distribution of Newborns With Sickle Cell Trait in Sergipe, Brazil

Abstract

who underwent neonatal screening in the public health system. Tests were carried out in basic health units and forwarded to the University Hospital laboratory, where they were analyzed. We used spatial autocorrelation (Moran's index) to assess the spatial distribution of heterozygous individuals with hemoglobinopathies.Results: Among 32,906 newborns, 1,202 showed other types of hemoglobin besides Hemoglobin A. We found a positive correlation between the percentage of black and multiracial people and the incidence of SCT. Most SCT cases occurred in the cities of Aracaju (n=273; 22.7%), Nossa Senhora do Socorro (n=102; 8.4%), São Cristóvão (n=58; 4.8%), Itabaiana (n=39; 4.2%), Lagarto (n=37; 4.01%), and Estância (n=46; 4.9%). Conclusions:The spatial distribution analysis identified regions in the state with a high frequency of HbS carriers. This information is important health care planning. This method can be applied to detect other places that need health units to guide and care for sickle cell disease patients and their families.

Incidence of hemoglobinopathies and spatialization of newborns with sickle cell trait in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

“…in NB with sickle cell trait was demonstrated by Leite et al, (24) in a study carried out in the state of Sergipe. In that investigation, Hb FAS showed a positive spatial correlation with the percentage of self-identified nonwhite individuals.…”

“…Spatial analysis is an important tool for the study of genetic diseases, serving as a support to anticipate health measures and decrease negative impacts of hemoglobinopathies in the population. (24) The global spatial autocorrelation of Hb FAS in the municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul (Moran index; p value >0.05) was not significant. Therefore, there is no evidence, for the period analyzed, that the incidence of Hb FAS in a particular municipality is spatially correlated with the incidence of Hb FAS in neighboring municipalities.…”

“…(27) The lack of miscegenation in Quilombola communities may contribute to the maintenance of the high incidence of Hb S in these regions. (24) The high positive spatial correlation (high-high) seen in Aquidauana and Campo Grande may be related to the presence of Quilombola communities in these municipalities.…”

“…(4 ,10,20,22) Heterozygosity for the sickle cell mutation is considered a relatively common and clinically benign condition, (16,23) and the geographic distribution of this "silent" population is essential for understanding the behavior of this gene in the population. (24) This study was the first to assess the spatial distribution of NB with sickle cell trait in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Spatial analysis is an important tool for the study of genetic diseases, serving as a support to anticipate health measures and decrease negative impacts of hemoglobinopathies in the population.…”