Frequency of beta thalassemia trait and carrier in Gorgan, Iran

Objectives: To determine the frequency of beta-Thalassemia trait and carrier in Gorgan, Iran. Methodology: In this analytic cross sectional study conducted from March 20, 2003 until March 20, 2004, two thousands six hundred prospective grooms and brides referred to the health center of Gorgan city were studied. Globular criteria included mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were determined. Hemoglobin A 2 (Hb A 2) was measured by column chromatography method. Results: The range of MCH was 13.8-35.5 pg. %15.9 of men and %27.6 of women had MCV<80fl. The frequency of beta-thalassemia trait was 9.8%. The range of HbA2 was 1.2-12% with the mean 3.06±1.5%. The frequency of beta-Thalassemia carrier (minor) was 21.4 %. Conclusion: This high frequency of beta-Thalassemia trait and carrier in Gorgan constitutes a real health problem and it necessitates more diligent effort in health care specially education and counseling. Further studies should examine the value of counseling and the prevalence of beta-Thalassemia in the children of those married