The percentage of hemoglobin Bart’s among group of neonates in Al-Najaf City

Abstract

Background: Alpha-thalassemia is caused by deletions of the α-globin genes on chromosome 16. The presence of hemoglobin Bart's on the newborn screen almost always indicates that one or more of the baby's α-globin genes are deleted. Objectives: To identify the rate of occurrence of HbBart's among group of neonates by cord blood assay. Materials and Methods: Total of 120 cord blood samples of newborn were examined by αthalassemia short program utilizes the principles of cation exchange HPLC for the presence of Hb Bart's. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS 26. Results: Hb Bart's was encountered in 93 cases (77.5%) neonates constituting 1 -10.4% of their total Hb, of these 92 cases (76.67%) were of α-thalasse-2 (Silent alpha-thalassemia) and 1 (0.83%) of αthalasse-1 (α-thalassemia trait). Our results found to be slightly higher than the prevalence of the disease in the Middle East and western Asia (12.55%) and Southeast Asia (6 -75%). Conclusion: Our study clarifies the importance for further future study and follow up of neonates with high percentage of HbBart's.