A study on Premarital Screening for β Thalassemia Trait in Hilly Areas Around Salem

Abstract

Original Research ArticleHemoglobinopathies are heterogeneous group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin (Hb). Thalassemia is characterized by reduced or absent production of globin chains. This study aims at estimating the prevalence of Beta Thalassemia trait in hilly areas around salem and to validate the screening test for Beta Thalassemia trait. As a part of the ongoing school screening programme, blood samples are collected from 10 th and 12 th school children in 30 selected tribal blocks in Tamil Nadu. Our Medical College Hospital receives samples from three tribal blocks around Salem namely Yercaud hills, Kolli hills and Kalrayan hills. The HPLC results of samples collected from the three hilly areas around salem for period of one academic year was analysed and blockwise prevalence was worked out. Sensitivity and specificity of NESTROFT test was also calculated with the datas available in our Department. This study shows that the prevalence of beta thalassemia trait in hilly areas around salem was as high as 5.2%. Among the three hilly areas around salem, Kalrayan hills shows the highest prevalence of about 6.9%. Second highest prevalence of about 4.9% was found in Yercaud hills and Kolli hills showed a prevalence of 3.8%. NESTROFT test shows 100% sensitivity and 100% negative predictive value. Specificity was only 25%. The most cost-effective and feasible approaches are preventive genetic strategies which requires proper health education and adequate sensitization of the community.