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Capalbo A, de Wert G, Henneman L, Kakourou G, Mcheik S, Peterlin B, van El C, Vassena R, Vermeulen N, Viville S, Forzano F. An ESHG-ESHRE survey on the current practice of expanded carrier screening in medically assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1844-1855. [PMID: 38872341 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the current practice and views on (expanded) carrier screening ((E)CS) among healthcare professionals in medically assisted reproductive (MAR) practices in Europe? SUMMARY ANSWER The findings show a limited support for ECS with less than half of the respondents affiliated to centres offering ECS, and substantial variation in practice between centres in Europe. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The availability of next-generation sequencing, which enables testing for large groups of genes simultaneously, has facilitated the introduction and expansion of ECS strategies, currently offered particularly in the private sector in the context of assisted reproduction. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cross-sectional survey evaluating practice and current views among professionals working in MAR practice in different European countries was designed using the online SurveyMonkey tool. The web-based questionnaire included questions on general information regarding the current practice of (E)CS in MAR and questions on what is offered, to whom the test is offered, and how it is offered. It consisted mostly of multiple-choice questions with comment boxes, but also included open questions on the respondents' attitudes/concerns relevant to (E)CS practice, and room to upload requested files (e.g. guidelines and gene panels). In total, 338 responses were collected from 8 February 2022 to 11 April 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The online survey was launched with an invitation email from the ESHRE central office (n = 4889 emails delivered) and the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) central office (n = 1790 emails delivered) sent to the ESHRE and ESHG members, and by social media posts. The survey was addressed to European MAR centres or gamete banks and to centres located in non-European countries participating in the European IVF-monitoring Consortium. Two reminder emails were sent. After exclusion of 39 incomplete responses received (e.g. only background information), 299 respondents from 40 different countries were included for analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, 42.5% (127/299) of respondents were affiliated to centres offering ECS. The perceived responsibility to enable prospective parents to make informed reproductive decisions and preventing suffering/burden for parents were the main reasons to offer ECS. A single ECS panel is offered by nearly 45% (39/87 received answers) of the centres offering ECS, 25.3% (22/87) of those centres offer a selection of ECS panels, and 29.9% (26/87) offer whole exome sequencing and a large in silico panel. Different ranges of panel sizes and conditions were included in the ECS panel(s) offered. Most of the respondents (81.8%; 72/88 received answers) indicated that the panels they offer are universal and target the entire population. Pathogenic variants (89.7%; 70/78 received answers), and to a lesser extent, likely pathogenic variants (64.1%%; 50/78 received answers), were included in the ECS report for individuals and couples undergoing MAR with their own gametes. According to 87.9% (80/91 received answers) of the respondents, patients have to pay to undergo an ECS test. Most respondents (76.2%; 61/80 received answers) reported that counselling is provided before and after the ECS test. Preimplantation genetic testing, the use of donor gametes, and prenatal diagnostic testing were the three main reproductive options discussed with identified carrier couples. The main reason, according to the respondents, for not offering ECS in their centre, was the lack of professional recommendations supporting ECS (52.5%; 73/139 received answers) and the high cost for couples or reimbursement not being available (49.6%; 69/139). The challenges and moral dilemmas encountered by the respondents revolved mainly around the content of the offer, including the variants classification and the heterogeneity of the panels, the counselling, and the cost of the test. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the total number of respondents was acceptable, the completion rate of the survey was suboptimal. In addition, the heterogeneity of answers to open-ended questions and the ambiguity of some of the answers, along with incomplete responses, posed a challenge in interpreting survey results. It is also plausible that some questions were not easily understood by the respondents. For this reason, response and non-response bias are acknowledged as further limitations of the survey. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results of this survey could aid in identifying potential challenges or areas for improvement in the current practice of ECS in the MAR field and contribute to the discussion on how to address them. The results underline the need to stimulate a more knowledge-based debate on the complexity and the pros and cons of a possible implementation of ECS in MAR. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and European Society of Human Genetics funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. A.C. is full-time employee of Juno Genetics. L.H. declared receiving a research grant during the past 36 months from the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development. She has also participated in a Health Council report of the Netherlands on preconception carrier screening and collaborated with the VSOP Dutch Genetic Alliance (patient umbrella organization on rare and genetic disorders). L.H. and C.v.E. are affiliated with Amsterdam University Medical Centre, a hospital that offers ECS in a non-commercial setting. R.V. received honoraria for presentations from Merck Academy and is unpaid board member of the executive committee of the Spanish Fertility Society. The other authors had nothing to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lidewij Henneman
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Georgia Kakourou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Choremio Research Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Agia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Borut Peterlin
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Carla van El
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Stéphane Viville
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, CNRS UMR 7104-INSERM U1258 Illkrich-Graffenstaden France
- Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostic, Genetics of Infertility Unit (UF3472), Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Francesca Forzano
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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An R, Avanaki A, Thota P, Nemade S, Mehta A, Gurkan UA. Point-of-Care Diagnostic Test for Beta-Thalassemia. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:83. [PMID: 38392002 PMCID: PMC10886532 DOI: 10.3390/bios14020083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) disorders are among the most common monogenic diseases affecting nearly 7% of the world population. Among various Hb disorders, approximately 1.5% of the world population carries β-thalassemia (β-Thal), affecting 40,000 newborns every year. Early screening and a timely diagnosis are essential for β-thalassemia patients for the prevention and management of later clinical complications. However, in Africa, Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, where β-thalassemia is most prevalent, the diagnosis and screening for β-thalassemia are still challenging due to the cost and logistical burden of laboratory diagnostic tests. Here, we present Gazelle, which is a paper-based microchip electrophoresis platform that enables the first point-of-care diagnostic test for β-thalassemia. We evaluated the accuracy of Gazelle for the β-Thal screening across 372 subjects in the age range of 4-63 years at Apple Diagnostics lab in Mumbai, India. Additionally, 30 blood samples were prepared to mimic β-Thal intermediate and β-Thal major samples. Gazelle-detected levels of Hb A, Hb F, and Hb A2 demonstrated high levels of correlation with the results reported through laboratory gold standard high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), yielding a Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.99. This ability to obtain rapid and accurate results suggests that Gazelle may be suitable for the large-scale screening and diagnosis of β-Thal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran An
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | | | | | - Sai Nemade
- Plasma Lab, Jalgaon 425001, India (A.M.)
- Apple Diagnostics Lab, Ghatkopar, Mumbai 400077, India
| | - Amrish Mehta
- Plasma Lab, Jalgaon 425001, India (A.M.)
- Apple Diagnostics Lab, Ghatkopar, Mumbai 400077, India
| | - Umut A. Gurkan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Luo LP, Ma L, Lin SB, Huang JG. Elevated Hb A 2 is Not Always Indicative of β-Thalassemia. Hemoglobin 2021; 45:186-190. [PMID: 34100337 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2021.1936008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Hb A2 levels are usually high in carriers of β-thalassemia (β-thal). These levels also provide a sensitive marker for the identification of hemoglobin (Hb) variants. In this study, we aimed to examine two patients from two Chinese families who showed elevated Hb A2 levels but did not show any signs of β-thal. The HBB variants were analyzed using direct sequencing of HBB and in silico prediction analysis. Moreover, the family's genetic history was investigated. We examined two probands from different Chinese families with elevated Hb A2 levels who were not afflicted with β-thal, although several nucleotide changes were found at codon 81 (CTC>CTA) (HBB: c.246C>A) in Family 1 and a compound heterozygosity for codon 40 (AGG>AAG) (HBB: c.122G>A) and IVS-II-478 (C>A) (HBB: c.316-373C>A) in Family 2. After investigating the genetic history of both families including the β-thal aspect, we found that these mutations were not responsible for the elevated Hb A2 levels. It is rarely reported that high Hb A2 level is not indicative of β-thal. In contrast, low or normal Hb A2 level is always found with β-thal due to other molecular defects that mask their β-thal genotype. Our results highlight the importance of considering the genetic factors related and unrelated to β-thal to improve the accuracy of future genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Luo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ganzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ganzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Bin Lin
- Fetal Medicine Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Gao Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ganzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
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Sabiha B, Haider SA, Jan H, Yousafzai YM, Afridi OK, Khan AA, Ali J. Development of the Next Generation Sequencing-Based Diagnostic Test for β-Thalassemia and its Validation in a Pashtun Family. Hemoglobin 2020; 44:254-258. [PMID: 32691635 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2020.1793773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is a common monogenic disease with ethnic-specific mutations on the HBB gene throughout the world. The reported mutations either reduce the expression or completely inactivate the HBB gene. In Pakistan, the prevalence of β-thal is high due to consanguineous marriages. Accurate identification of mutations in carriers is imperative for prevention of β-thal in subsequent generations. To overcome the limitations of traditional testing methods for β-thal, a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based diagnostic test was designed and validated by sequencing the entire HBB gene. The primer set covering the entire HBB gene was designed and validated in a Pashtun β-thalassemic family. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. A homozygous pathogenic insertion of A>AC/AC (rs35699606) was detected in an affected member of the family, while unaffected members were heterozygous for it. In addition, all family members were homozygous for the synonymous variant, A>G/G (rs713040), except the father who was heterozygous for it. We sequenced the entire HBB gene using the NGS-based test, which is highly sensitive, robust and specific for the diagnosis and screening of β-thal in Pakistan, especially for families practicing consanguineous marriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibi Sabiha
- Center for Genome Sciences, Rehman Medical College (RMC), Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan
| | - Syed Adnan Haider
- Center for Genome Sciences, Rehman Medical College (RMC), Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan
| | - Hanifullah Jan
- Center for Genome Sciences, Rehman Medical College (RMC), Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan
| | - Yasar Mehmood Yousafzai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS), Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
| | - Ome Kalsoom Afridi
- CECOS-Rehman Medical Institute (RMI), Precision Medicine Laboratory, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
| | - Abid Ali Khan
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology (COBAM), University of Peshawar, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
| | - Johar Ali
- Center for Genome Sciences, Rehman Medical College (RMC), Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.,Executive Development Center, Sukkur Institute of Business Administration (IBA) University, Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan
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5
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Xu X, Wu X. Epidemiology and treatment of beta thalassemia major in China. Pediatr Investig 2020; 4:43-47. [PMID: 32851341 PMCID: PMC7331292 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia, classified as the main types α- and β-thalassemia, is a single gene disorder resulting from globin chain synthesis impairment through the mutation or deletion of globin genes. The incidence of thalassemia is high worldwide, with high associated mortality. Therefore, treatment is important to improve patient outcomes. This paper reviews the current status of β-thalassemia major in China, including its epidemiology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Xu
- Departments of pediatricsNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Xuedong Wu
- Departments of pediatricsNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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Affiliation(s)
- Baba Inusa
- Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joyce Popoola
- St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Kolliopoulou A, Stratopoulos A, Siamoglou S, Sgourou A, Ali BR, Papachatzopoulou A, Katsila T, Patrinos GP. Key Pharmacogenomic Considerations for Sickle Cell Disease Patients. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2017; 21:314-322. [PMID: 28486096 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2017.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD), although a monogenic disease, exhibits a complex clinical phenotype that hampers optimum patient stratification and disease management, especially on hydroxyurea treatment. Moreover, theranostics, the combination of diagnostics to individualize and optimize therapeutic interventions, has not been firmly on the forefront of SCD research and clinical management to date. We suggest that if tailor-made theranostics in SCD is envisaged, pharmacogenomics is anticipated to be the way forward. Herein, we present the current key pharmacogenomic opportunities and challenges in SCD, considering population variation, ethics, and socioeconomic aspects. We focus on pharmacogenomics and pain management, genethics, and cost-effectiveness in SCD. We searched for and synthesized data from PubMed and Google Scholar, and the references from relevant articles, using the keywords "pharmacogenomics," "sickle cell disease," "hydroxyurea," "ethics," "pain management," "morphine metabolism," "opioids," "pharmacogenomics and chronic pain," "cost-effectiveness," and "economic evaluation." Only articles published in English were included. So far, when pharmacogenomics in SCD has been considered, interindividual variability in hydroxyurea response/toxicity has been of primary interest. We underscore the need to extend pharmacogenomic considerations on other therapeutic interventions currently present using a holistic patient-centric approach, and taking disease complications into account as well. Furthermore, we raise awareness toward socioeconomic, ethical, and population differences in the way sickle cell pharmacogenomics might unfold in the future. If pharmacogenomics in SCD is to be used in the clinic in an evidence-based manner, cost-effectiveness and population-specific empirical ethics data are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kolliopoulou
- 1 Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras , Patras, Greece
| | - Apostolos Stratopoulos
- 1 Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras , Patras, Greece
| | - Stavroula Siamoglou
- 1 Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras , Patras, Greece
| | | | - Bassam R Ali
- 3 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University , Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Theodora Katsila
- 1 Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras , Patras, Greece
| | - George P Patrinos
- 1 Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras , Patras, Greece .,3 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University , Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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8
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Fábryová V, Božek P, Drakulová M, Kollárová A, Striežencová ZL, Macichová M, Sakalová A. Care for Haemoglobinopathy Patients in Slovakia. Cent Eur J Public Health 2017; 25:67-71. [PMID: 28399358 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a4471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The paper presents the results od 22-year study of screening and follow-up of haemoglobinopathies in Slovakia, an overview of genetic mutations, the coincidence with hereditary haemochromatosis mutations, and the procedure in genetic councelling. METHODS Between 1993-2015, in three centres in Bratislava and in one centre in Kosice, carriers of beta-thalassaemic genes or other haemoglobinopathies were searched for. Diagnosis was performed by haematologists, whereby the family history was evaluated, together with the overall clinical condition, blood count and blood smear, iron and haemolysis parameters, mutations of hereditary haemochromatosis, and haemoglobin electrophoresis testing. In the last years the haemoglobin division also examined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS A clinical suspicion of the heterozygous form of beta-thalassaemia or other haemoglobinopathies was documented in 554 patients. Of them 32 (5.8%) were foreigners. 213 (38.45%) patients were genetically examined. In 190 (33.93%) of them heterozygote beta-thalassaemia was confirmed. The most frequent mutations were IVS 1.110 (33.15%), IVS 2.1 (33.15%), and IVS 1.6 (14.7%). Evidence of haemoglobin S (heterozygote sickle cell anaemia) was also notable in two non-relative children, whose fathers were of African origin, and one patient from Ghana. One female patient was followed up for haemoglobin Santa Ana (non-stabile haemoglobin previously diagnosed as mutation de novo). In our group, we took care of pregnant patients with haemoglobinopathies. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that there is a higher number of heterozygotes for beta-thalassaemia and rarely haemoglobinopathies in Slovakia. Over the past years, we have recorded an increase number of foreigners coming to our country. It is necessary to continue in search of pathological gene carriers to avoid serious forms of haemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Fábryová
- Department of Haematology, Hospital St. Michael, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Božek
- Department of Haematology, Hospital St. Michael, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Drakulová
- Laboratory of Haematology, Synlab Slovakia, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Kollárová
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetic, Faculty Hospital, Nitra, Slovakia
| | | | - Michaela Macichová
- Department of Haematology, L. Pasteur Faculty Hospital, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Adriena Sakalová
- Department of Haematology, Paediatric Faculty Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Growing complexity of (expanded) carrier screening: Direct-to-consumer, physician-mediated, and clinic-based offers. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 44:57-67. [PMID: 28302443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the introduction of out-of-hospital health-related genetic tests more than a decade ago, the landscape of genetic testing services has grown in complexity. Although initially most genetic tests for health purposes were offered as direct-to-consumer services, that is, without the mediation of a medical professional, currently many commercial providers require that their tests be ordered by a licensed physician. At the same time, some commercially developed health-related genetic tests are gaining support from the professional medical community and are finding their way into clinical practice. Therefore, we differentiated between three types of genetic testing offers: direct-to-consumer, physician-mediated, and clinic-based genetic testing. Expanded carrier screening tests for recessive disorders are currently available through all the three models of genetic testing. Herein, we review the present landscape of expanded carrier screening offers by highlighting the distinct issues associated with each of the three types of genetic testing.
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Li CK. New trend in the epidemiology of thalassaemia. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 39:16-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Shakeel M, Arif M, Rehman SU, Yaseen T. Investigation of molecular heterogeneity of β-thalassemia disorder in District Charsadda of Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci 2016; 32:491-4. [PMID: 27182268 PMCID: PMC4859051 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.322.9415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Thalassemia is blood related disease which arises from the reduced level of hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBC), a protein responsible for carrying oxygen inside the body. Considering its widespread occurrence in developing countries like Pakistan, this study aims to investigate the common molecular anomalies of the beta thalassemia disease in district Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Methods: This work was done at Abdul Wali Khan University (AWKU) Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The work was performed on the blood samples collected from the patients and their families with beta thalassemia major (n = 13 families) belonged to District Charsadda. The collected blood samples were analyzed for presence of six known mutations with the help of polymerase cha in reaction technique i.e. amplification of refractory mutation system. Results: Our Study reports six known mutations (IVS-1-5, FSC 8/9, CD 41/42, IVS-1-1, CD 15 and FSC-5) accounting for about 90% of total beta thalassemia genes in this country. Among the reported mutations, IVS 1-5 was the most prevalent beta thalassemia gene in patients belonging to District Charsadda. Conclusion: The results and findings of the current study may help in accessing the frequency of these common mutations and in initiating pre-natal diagnosis programme in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakeel
- Dr. Muhammad Shakeel, PhD (UK). Department of Biotechnology, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arif
- Mr. Muhammad Arif, M.Phil. Department of Biotechnology, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shoaib Ur Rehman
- Dr. Shoaib Ur Rehman, PhD (Pakistan). Department of Biotechnology, Bannu University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Tabassum Yaseen
- Dr. Tabassum Yaseen, PhD (Pakistan). Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Damiani G, Vinciguerra M, Jakil C, Cannata M, Cassarà F, Picciotto F, Schillaci G, Cigna V, Renda D, Volpes A, Sammartano F, Milone S, Allegra A, Passarello C, Leto F, Giambona A. Prenatal Diagnosis of Hemoglobinopathies: From Fetoscopy to Coelocentesis. THALASSEMIA REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.4081/thal.2014.2200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies involves the study of fetal material from blood, amniocytes, trophoblast coelomatic cells and fetal DNA in maternal circulation. Its first application dates back to the 70s and it involves globin chain synthesis analysis on fetal blood. In the 1980s molecular analysis was introduced as well as amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling under high-resolution ultrasound imaging. The application of direct sequencing and polymerase chain reactionbased methodologies improved the DNA analysis procedures and reduced the sampling age for invasive prenatal diagnosis from 18 to 16–11 weeks allowing fetal genotyping within the first trimester of pregnancy. In the last years, fetal material obtained at 7–8 weeks of gestation by coelocentesis and isolation of fetal cells has provided new platforms on which to develop diagnostic capabilities while non-invasive technologies using fetal DNA in maternal circulation are starting to develop.
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Lou JW, Wang T, Liu YH, He Y, Zhong BM, Liu JX, Zhao Y, Ye WL, Li DZ. Prevalence and molecular characterization of structural hemoglobin variants in the Dongguan region of Guangdong province, southern China. Hemoglobin 2014; 38:282-6. [PMID: 24985555 DOI: 10.3109/03630269.2014.928779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to find the most prevalent structural hemoglobin (Hb) variants in southern China and to present hematological and molecular data of abnormal Hbs in the population from southern China. The type and frequency of structural Hb variants and their hematological and molecular characteristics were identified in 131 individuals from 30,848 unrelated partners who were referred to the prenatal clinic of Dongguan Maternal & Children Health Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong, People's Republic of China (PRC) from 2011 to 2013. α-Globin or β-globin chain variants were screened using a capillary electrophoresis (CE) system, and α-globin or β-globin gene mutations were confirmed using sequencing techniques. The gene frequency of Hb variants was 0.4% (131/30,848). The most common α-globin variants were Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS, HBA2: c.427T > C) (0.2%), followed by Hb Q-Thailand (HBA1: c.223G > C) and Hb G-Honolulu (HBA2: c.91G > C). The most common β-globin variant was Hb E (HBB: c.79G > A) (0.09%), followed by Hb New York (HBB: c.341T > A). Our results provide a detailed prevalence and molecular characterization of abnormal Hbs in the population of the Dongguan region. These findings have important implications for a region with a high frequency of α- and β-thalassemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Wu Lou
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Dongguan Maternal & Children Health Hospital , Dongguan, Guangdong , People's Republic of China and
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Yang Y, Lou JW, Liu YH, He Y, Li DZ. Screening and Diagnosis of Hb Quong Sze [HBA2: c.377T > C (orHBA1)] in a Prenatal Control Program for Thalassemia. Hemoglobin 2014; 38:158-60. [DOI: 10.3109/03630269.2014.910669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Baxi A, Manila K, Kadhi P, Heena B. Carrier Screening for β Thalassemia in Pregnant Indian Women: Experience at a Single Center in Madhya Pradesh. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2014; 29:71-4. [PMID: 24426339 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-012-0165-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the prevalence of β thalassemia trait in pregnancy in urban population screening for β thalassemia in pregnant women at a single center in Indore (MP) has been conducted for a period of 2 year. Blood samples were tested for complete blood count and hemoglobin electrophoresis. During the 2 year period a total of 1,006 women were screened; 28 women who carried abnormal pattern were detected. The mean gestational age for screening was 13 ± 4 weeks. The prevalence of carriers was 2.78 %. As much as 99 % of pregnant women undergoing screening were willing for prenatal diagnosis if required. The economic burden to the society for treating thalassemic patients is huge. The institution of prevention programs like carrier screening has proven costeffective in populations with a high frequency of carriers. Screening of pregnant women early in pregnancy followed by prenatal diagnosis is acceptable and effective strategy for control of thalassemia in developing countries like India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Baxi
- Disha Fertility & Surgical Center, Indore, 452 001 Madhya Pradesh India
| | - Kaushal Manila
- Disha Fertility & Surgical Center, Indore, 452 001 Madhya Pradesh India
| | - Pooja Kadhi
- Disha Fertility & Surgical Center, Indore, 452 001 Madhya Pradesh India
| | - Baxi Heena
- Disha Fertility & Surgical Center, Indore, 452 001 Madhya Pradesh India
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Denic S, Aden B, Nagelkerke N, Essa AA. β-Thalassemia in Abu Dhabi: consanguinity and tribal stratification are major factors explaining the high prevalence of the disease. Hemoglobin 2013; 37:351-8. [PMID: 23600619 DOI: 10.3109/03630269.2013.790827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Tribalism and consanguineous marriages are common in parts of the world with a high prevalence of the β-thalassemia (β-thal) mutations, and increase the risks of homozygosity for this and other recessive disorders. We explored the frequency of β-thal genes and β-thal carriers in 5672 subjects screened before marriage, of whom 2262 were couples. The mean coefficient of inbreeding (F) in the population was estimated from self-reported relationships to prospective spouses in 383 subjects. Overall frequency of β-thal mutations and β-thal carriers in the population were 1.16 and 2.3%, respectively. Among the 14 largest tribes, β-thal carrier frequencies varied from 0 to 13.6%. The estimated F in the population was 0.022. The expected number of couples needed to be screened to detect one couple who were both β-thal carriers in the non inbreeding (F = 0) and inbreeding (F = 0.022) population was 1858 and 646, respectively. However, among 2262 couples, 10 were both β-thal carriers, i.e., 1 in 226 couples, significantly (p = 0.02) more than expected by taking only inbreeding into account. Although β-thal mutations are relatively rare, the burden of β-thal disease is increased eight-fold by tribalism and consanguinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdjan Denic
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Haghpanah S, Johari S, Parand S, Bordbar MR, Karimi M. Family planning practices in families with children affected by β-thalassemia major in Southern Iran. Hemoglobin 2012. [PMID: 23181733 DOI: 10.3109/03630269.2012.745419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Preventing the birth of children with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is an important health issue. We investigated family planning practices and related factors among families with affected children. We selected a total of 569 parents from the parents of patients with β-TM who were registered at thalassemia referral clinics in southern Iran. Information was recorded regarding demographic variables, socioeconomic status and family planning practices. The correlations between family planning practice and related factors were evaluated. Approximately 96.0% of the parents (546) were practicing contraception at the time of the study. Only 12.8% of the families whose first child had β-TM decided to have no more children. The most frequent contraceptive method was tubal ligation (TL) (37.5%) followed by oral contraceptive pills (OCP) (31.5%). Higher education level of the mothers and higher economic status of the families were found to be related with the lower numbers of children with β-TM (p = 0.001). We found a high percentage of safe contraception being used by at-risk couples. It seems that educational programs have been effective in influencing family planning practices. Further attention should be devoted to increasing the knowledge of at-risk couples with a greater focus on parents of low socioeconomic status. Because of cultural factors in Iran, many of these at-risk couples opted to achieve the desired family size, so implementation of a well-organized prenatal diagnostic system seems necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezaneh Haghpanah
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Iran
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Hahn S, Hösli I, Lapaire O. Non-invasive prenatal diagnostics using next generation sequencing: technical, legal and social challenges. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 6:517-28. [PMID: 23480834 DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2012.703650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Newly developed non-invasive prenatal diagnostic techniques, using maternal blood samples, have the potential to reduce or obviate the need for invasive prenatal diagnostic practices such as amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling. This will lead to a change in how obstetric care is extended by health care providers to pregnant women at-risk of bearing an aneuploid child. AREAS COVERED The process leading to the development of fetal aneuploidy detection via the analysis of cell-free DNA in maternal plasma by massive parallel sequencing. Optimization of these strategies and approaches used in the recent or up-coming commercial launches. In addition, this review provides insight into legal implications, potential patent disputes, ethical and societal concerns raised by this development, such as whole genome data storage, retrieval and access. EXPERT OPINION There is a need for engagement by professional societies, to ensure correct usage of these newly emerging technologies and their restriction to high-risk pregnancies. National agencies need to ensure the necessary degree of high quality required for prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinuhe Hahn
- University Hospital Basel, Department of Biomedicine/ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lab. Prenatal Medicine , Basel , Switzerland
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Ou Z, Li Q, Liu W, Sun X. Elevated hemoglobin A2 as a marker for β-thalassemia trait in pregnant women. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2011; 223:223-6. [PMID: 21403433 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.223.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
β-thalassemia is one of the most prevalent inherited hemoglobin disorders. Compound heterozygotes or homozygous mutations of the β-globin chain gene account for severe cases of β-thalassemia that require lifelong transfusion, and make it necessary to identify β-thalassemia carries for prenatal diagnosis. The increase in hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) level is the most significant parameter in the identification of β-thalassemia carriers. HbA2, composing of two α chains and two δ chains, is a minor component of the hemoglobin present in normal adult red blood cells, accounting for about 2.5% of the total hemoglobin in healthy individuals. However, HbA2 level is also elevated in some pregnant women. This study aimed to evaluate the value of HbA2 level in the screening of pregnant women with β-thalassemia trait. Pregnant and non-pregnant women were randomly recruited who attended the prenatal care or diagnosis at our hospital located in Guangdong, a province in South China. Hemoglobin capillary electrophoresis was performed on high performance liquid chromatography to measure HbA2 levels in blood. The β-globin gene mutations were detected by the PCR-reverse dot-blot assay, and some were verified by direct sequencing. Pregnant women (n = 96) and non-pregnant women (n = 114) with normal HbA2 level (< 3.5%) had no β-thalassemia mutation. In contrast, pregnant women (n = 55) and non-pregnant women (n = 85) with elevated HbA2 level (≥ 3.5%) are β-thalassemia carriers. In conclusion, HbA2 level is a good marker for screening β-thalassemia trait in pregnant women in South China population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhui Ou
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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20
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Cunningham MJ. Update on Thalassemia: Clinical Care and Complications. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2010; 24:215-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2009.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Karimi M, Johari S, Cohan N. Attitude Toward Prenatal Diagnosis for β-Thalassemia Major and Medical Abortion in Southern Iran. Hemoglobin 2010; 34:49-54. [DOI: 10.3109/03630260903547690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Liao C, Xie XM, Zhong HZ, Zhou JY, Li DZ. Proposed screening criteria for beta-thalassemia trait during early pregnancy in southern China. Hemoglobin 2009; 33:528-33. [PMID: 19958202 DOI: 10.3109/03630260903333567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate whether it is effective to use mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <80 fL as a screening test in the first step of screening for beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) trait in southern China. The data of hematological testing in the first or early second trimester of gestation of 449 pregnant women who underwent prenatal diagnosis for beta-thal were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, six (1.3%) had an MCV value >80 fL, ranging from 80.3 to 83.4 fL. This meant that six at-risk pregnancies would have been missed if only an MCV cut-off value of <80 fL had been used for screening. All subjects having a normal MCV value carried the same -28 (A>G) mutation, accounting for 9.8% (6/61) of the total number of mother with this mutation. If screening had been based on the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) <27 pg, all 449 pregnant women with beta-thal trait would have been detected. We suggest that all pregnant women presenting at an antenatal clinic with an MCH of <27 pg rather than an MCV of <80 fL should be investigated further to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of beta-thal trait in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Liao
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Maternal & Neonatal Hospital, Guangzhou Women & Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical College, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
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23
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24
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Giordano PC. Prospective and retrospective primary prevention of hemoglobinopathies in multiethnic societies. Clin Biochem 2009; 42:1757-66. [PMID: 19591814 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2009.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review emphasizes the need for adapted prevention strategies in areas where severe hemoglobin disorders are endemic and in non-endemic countries where large immigrant groups are living. DESIGN AND METHODS Screening versus carrier diagnostics upon medical versus ethnic indication, ethical issues associated with carrier screening, information to multiethnic carriers and practical aspects of laboratory diagnostics are discussed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION School screening is a valid option but needs follow up until partner choice. Premarital carrier diagnostics upon ethnic indication needs motivated GP's and might implicate (female) stigmatization in particular cultures. Early pregnancy is the best moment regarding the motivation, but needs rapid molecular analysis when a couple at risk seeks prevention. Neonatal screening is feasible when the organization is already present for other diseases and may offer retrospective as well as prospective primary prevention when all carriers are reported. Problems to be expected while implementing neonatal screening are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero C Giordano
- Hemoglobinopathies Laboratory, Human and Clinical Genetics Department, Leiden University Medical Center, O&O Building, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Giambona A, Passarello C, Renda D, Maggio A. The significance of the hemoglobin A(2) value in screening for hemoglobinopathies. Clin Biochem 2009; 42:1786-96. [PMID: 19591816 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2009.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The inherited hemoglobinopathies are a large group of disorders that include thalassemias and hemoglobin variants. Accurate determination of the carrier phenotype is essential for detecting couples at risk for producing offspring with hemoglobinopathy. Heterozygous beta-thalassemia is usually silent at the clinical level. His phenotype is characterized by microcytosis and hypochromia with increased hemoglobin A(2) (HbA(2)) value. Therefore, HbA(2) determination plays a key role in screening programs for hemoglobinopathy. The aim of this review is to address and suggest an approach for reducing or abolishing hemoglobinopathy screening mistakes. DESIGN AND METHODS Quantitative methods for HbA(2) value determination, comment on the accuracy of the test and on the interpretation of data were discussed. The most probable diagnostic conclusion based on the HbA(2) level, hemoglobin pattern, hematological parameters and iron markers was suggested in this review. RESULTS Hemoglobinopathies are the only genetic disease where it is possible to detect carriers using hematological findings rather than DNA analysis. However, hematological diagnosis is sometimes presumptive, and in these cases, DNA analysis becomes necessary. Complete screening is based on the detection of red cell indices, HbA(2), HbF and hemoglobin variant values. In particular, HbA(2) determination plays a key role in screening programs for beta-thalassemia because a small increase in this fraction is one of the most important markers of beta-thalassemia heterozygous carriers. CONCLUSION Genetic factors both related and unrelated to the beta- and alpha-globin gene clusters, iron metabolism, endocrinological disorders, and some types of anemia, together with intra- and inter-laboratory variations in HbA(2) determination, may cause difficulties in evaluating this measurement in screening programs for hemoglobinopathies. Therefore, knowledge of all these issues is important for reducing or eliminating the risk of mistakes in screening programs for hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Giambona
- U.O.C. Ematologia II con Talassemia, Azienda Ospedaliera Vincenzo Cervello, via Trabucco 180, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
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Colah R, Surve R, Wadia M, Solanki P, Mayekar P, Thomas M, Gorakshakar A, Dastur A, Mohanty D. Carrier Screening for β-Thalassemia during Pregnancy in India: A 7-Year Evaluation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 12:181-5. [DOI: 10.1089/gte.2007.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Colah
- Institute of Immunohaematology, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Reema Surve
- Institute of Immunohaematology, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Marukh Wadia
- Institute of Immunohaematology, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Prakash Solanki
- Institute of Immunohaematology, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Pramod Mayekar
- Institute of Immunohaematology, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Mariamma Thomas
- Institute of Immunohaematology, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Ajit Gorakshakar
- Institute of Immunohaematology, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Adi Dastur
- N. Wadia Maternity Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Dipika Mohanty
- Institute of Immunohaematology, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, India
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Abstract
beta-Thalassemia, originally named Cooley anemia, is an inherited blood disease. Various types of thalassemia are inherited anemias caused by mutations at the globin gene loci on chromosomes 16 and 11, affecting the production of alpha- or beta-globin protein, respectively. The combination of early diagnosis, improvements in monitoring for organ complications, and advances in supportive care have enabled many patients who have severe thalassemia syndromes to live productive, active lives well into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody J Cunningham
- Thalassemia Research Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Fegan 7, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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28
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Pan HF, Long GF, Li Q, Feng YN, Lei ZY, Wei HW, Huang YY, Huang JH, Lin N, Xu QQ, Ling SY, Chen XJ, Huang T. Current status of thalassemia in minority populations in Guangxi, China. Clin Genet 2007; 71:419-26. [PMID: 17489847 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2007.00791.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thalassemia is one of the most common monogenic disorders in the world. In order to develop a community-based prevention program, we screened 12,900 individuals for alpha- and beta-thalassemia in Baise City, Guangxi, China, with hematological methods and molecular assays. We found that the frequency of carriers in this area for alpha-thalassemia is 15%. Beta-thalassemia carriers comprise 4.8% of the populations. Five mutations account for 98% of alpha-thalassemia [--SEA 46.7%; -alpha/4.2, 23.9%; -alpha/3.7, 21.7%; hemoglobin (Hb) Constant Spring, 6.5%; Hb Quong Sze, 1.1%]. Seven mutations in the beta-globin gene account for 99% of the mutations [codon (CD) 41/42 (-TCTT) (39.4%), CD 17(A-->T) (32%), CD 71/72 (+A) (7.4%), -28 (A-->G) (5.8%), IVS-2-654 (C-->T) (5.8%), CD26 (Hb E) (4%), IVS-1 (G-->A) (3.7%), and CD 43(G-->T) (1.9%)]. Most individuals with alpha-thalassemia major die in the uterus or shortly after birth. Among 106 patients with beta-thalassemia major followed by our clinic, the majority died before 5 years of age. Knowledge surveys about thalassemia were conducted. Our results show a severe lack of knowledge about thalassemia in both medical professionals and in the general populations. This study shows that thalassemia is a very severe public health issue in minority populations in Baise City, China. Identification of the common mutations will allow us to design cost-effective molecular tests. There is an urgent need to educate the general population and the medical community for a successful community-based prevention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- H F Pan
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Some epidemiologists and geneticists claim that integrating genetics into public health policies and programs is necessary and unavoidable. OBJECTIVE To examine the extent to which further integration of public health and genetics is warranted. METHODS Synthesis of the literature in four areas: research, genetic services, regulation, and education. The analysis is limited to human genetics. RESULTS Public support for basic genetic research has and will continue to lead to new applications and to further understanding of human origins and dispersions. Some applied research, particularly for genetic risk factors for common complex diseases, has low yield and is better supported by private funds. The only genetic service for which a public health role is paramount is newborn screening. With the patenting of genes, and the proliferation of commercial interests in genetic tests and directly advertising them to the public, regulation by public health agencies is increasingly important. As most genetic testing and other services will be provided in the personal health care system, education about genetics is best left to the educational and medical systems. Public health practitioners should be aware of the limitations of genetic tests. CONCLUSIONS There is little need for further integration of genetic services and education into public health especially in countries in which public and private health services are dichotomized. Newborn screening and follow-up, however, are most safely and effectively provided under public health auspices. The most important area for strengthening the public health role is in the regulation of genetic tests and other genetic services provided primarily by the private sector. Continued support for basic genetic research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A Holtzman
- Genetics and Public Policy Studies, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Md 21209, USA.
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Atalay EO, Koyuncu H, Turgut B, Atalay A, Yildiz S, Bahadir A, Köseler A. High incidence of Hb D-Los Angeles [beta121(GH4)Glu-->Gln] in Denizli Province, Aegean region of Turkey. Hemoglobin 2006; 29:307-10. [PMID: 16370495 DOI: 10.1080/03630260500311685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Denizli Province is located in the inner part of the Aegean region of Turkey and is one of the target areas for premarital screening. Here we report the abnormal hemoglobins (Hbs) observed during a premarital screening program in our region. According to our results, Hb D-Los Angeles [beta1211(GH4)Glu-->Gln (GAA-->CAA] (also known as D-Punjab, D-North Carolina, D-Portugal, Oak Ridge and D-Chicago), is the most frequent abnormal Hb in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erol O Atalay
- Department of Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
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31
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Patrinos GP, Giardine B, Riemer C, Miller W, Chui DHK, Anagnou NP, Wajcman H, Hardison RC. Improvements in the HbVar database of human hemoglobin variants and thalassemia mutations for population and sequence variation studies. Nucleic Acids Res 2004; 32:D537-41. [PMID: 14681476 PMCID: PMC308741 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkh006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HbVar (http://globin.cse.psu.edu/globin/hbvar/) is a relational database developed by a multi-center academic effort to provide up-to-date and high quality information on the genomic sequence changes leading to hemoglobin variants and all types of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies. Extensive information is recorded for each variant and mutation, including sequence alterations, biochemical and hematological effects, associated pathology, ethnic occurrence and references. In addition to the regular updates to entries, we report two significant advances: (i) The frequencies for a large number of mutations causing beta-thalassemia in at-risk populations have been extracted from the published literature and made available for the user to query upon. (ii) HbVar has been linked with the GALA (Genome Alignment and Annotation database, available at http://globin.cse.psu.edu/gala/) so that users can combine information on hemoglobin variants and thalassemia mutations with a wide spectrum of genomic data. It also expands the capacity to view and analyze the data, using tools within GALA and the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser.
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Affiliation(s)
- George P Patrinos
- MGC-Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Erasmus MC, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Current Awareness in prenatal diagnosis. Prenat Diagn 2003; 23:269-75. [PMID: 14533647 DOI: 10.1002/pd.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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