Thalassemia Minor

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Thalassemia minor is a heterozygous condition in which one of the two alleles carries a mutant gene sequence. The carrier of beta-thalassemia minor does not show the severe symptoms of beta-thalassemia. However, if a beta-thalassemia carrier individual marries a thalassemia carrier woman, there is a 25% chance to transfer the disease to their offspring. 


Screening of beta-thalassemia minor


Carriers of beta-thalassemia may experience milder anemia and have fewer RBCs as compared to non-carrier individuals. In order to decrease the incidence of beta-thalassemia major, carriers must be screened for beta-thalassemia traits before marriage. Carrier counseling should be recommended to married couples to overcome the higher incidence of beta-thalassemia. There are different types of screening programs implemented at the national level including pre-marital screening, antenatal screening, and prenatal screening to control the rapidly increasing prevalence of beta-thalassemia. The prevalence of the beta-thalassemia trait worldwide is reported to be around 3.3%.




Diagnosis of Beta Thalassemia


Beta thalassemia trait can be reduced by the implementation of regular effective screening programs. Diagnosis involves the Hb electrophoresis to confirm the presence of thalassemia minor. Hb electrophoresis can be performed manually by using a cellulose acetate membrane or through an automated procedure. 


CBC (Complete Blood Cell Count)

CBC is one of the routinely performed laboratory tests to screen individuals with beta-thalassemia minor. CBC profile includes RBC count, WBC count, MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin), and HCT (Hematocrit). Among individuals with beta-thalassemia minor, MCV is found to be <80, MCH <25, whereas RBCs >4.5. 


Prevention of Beta Thalassemia 

Beta thalassemia is the most prevalent disorder nowadays and needs to be overcome with the help of effective strategic planning and regular preventive screening. Antenatal screening among pregnant females must be recommended at the initial stages to decrease the number of births affected with beta-thalassemia major. Awareness among the health community should be increased to avoid the hazardous effects of beta-thalassemia major. 

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