Pattern of Hemoglobinopathies: A Cross-sectional Study in North of Morocco

Abstract

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are the most frequent widely spread genetic disorders. In Morocco, epidemiological and clinical data are scarce. The present study aims to determine the spectrum and geographic distribution of hemoglobinopathies in Larache province, North of Morocco.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2018 at the provincial hospital of Larache city. All patients’ records having a hemoglobinopathy were analyzed. Background data (age, gender, and origin) of each case were analyzed. Results: Our study showed an overall frequency of hemoglobinopathies of 3.6%. Sickle cell trait was registered to be the most common disorder in our studied population (42.3%), followed by β-thalassemia Trait (20.2%), sickle cell disease (19.8%), major β-thalassemia (9.8%) and sickle/β-thalassemia (8%). The average age of subjects with hemoglobin disorders was 17.5 years. The majority of the patients (66.5%) were less than 20 years old. A disparity in the diseases geographic distribution was observed, 74.6% of patients came from rural areas. Conclusions: The present study is the first of its kind offering comprehensive data on hemoglobinopathies pattern in Northern Morocco. Our work may lay the foundation for screening programs for better prevention and coverage.