Prenatal and newborn screening for hemoglobinopathies

Haemoglobinopathies and other rare anemias in Spain: ten years of a nationwide registry (REHem-AR)

REHem-AR was created in 2013. The progressive implementation of neonatal screening for haemoglobinopathies in Spanish autonomous communities where the registry had not been implemented, as well as the addition of new centres during this period, has considerably increased the sample of patients covered. In this study, we update our previous publication in this area, after a follow-up of more than 5 years. An observational, descriptive, multicentre and ambispective study of adult and paediatric patients with haemoglobinopathies and rare anaemias registered in REHem was performed. The data are from a cross-sectional analysis performed on 1 June, 2023. The study population comprised 1,756 patients, of whom 1,317 had SCD, 214 had thalassaemia and 224 were diagnosed with another condition. Slightly more than one third of SCD patients (37%) were diagnosed based on neonatal bloodspot screening, and the mean age at diagnosis was 2.5 years; 71% of thalassaemia patients were diagnosed based on the presence of anaemia. Vaso-occlusive crisis and acute chest syndrome continue to be the most frequent complications in SCD. HSCT was performed in 83 patients with SCD and in 50 patients with thalassaemia. Since the previous publication, REHem-AR has grown in size by more than 500 cases. SCD and TM are less frequent in Spain than in other European countries, although the data show that rare anaemias are frequent within rare diseases. REHem-AR constitutes an important structure for following the natural history of rare anaemias and enables us to calculate investment needs for current and future treatments.

Newborn Screening

The goal of newborn screening is to identify medical conditions that can cause significant morbidity and/or mortality if not treated early in life. Pediatricians often play a vital role in the initial disclosure of newborn screening results and coordination of confirmatory testing, treatment, and referral to specialty care. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of current newborn screening in the United States, focusing on the various disorders, their manifestations, the newborn screening process, the confirmatory testing, and treatments. Some practical considerations will be discussed as well.

Global burden of transfusion in sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary hemoglobinopathy. The underlying pathophysiology of the red blood cell (RBC) leads to pan-systemic complications which manifest at an early age. While curative and disease-modifying treatments exist for SCD, a key intervention in the management and treatment of SCD is RBC transfusion, which can alleviate or prevent many complications. SCD patients often require chronic RBC transfusion therapy which can result in complications, such as iron overload, alloimmunization and infection. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), SCD patients lack appropriate access to healthcare such as newborn screening, health education, prophylaxis for infection, and treatments to reduce both mortality and SCD-related adverse effects. Poor access to RBCs for transfusion, coupled with donated blood not meeting safety standards set by the World Health Organization, presents a significant barrier for patients requiring chronic transfusions in LMICs. Unmet needs associated with blood collection, blood component processing and recipient matching all pose a serious problem in many LMICs, although this varies depending on geographic location, political organizations and economy. This review aims to provide an overview of the global burden of SCD, focusing on the availability of current treatments and the burden of chronic RBC transfusions in patients with SCD.

Performance of single-gene noninvasive prenatal testing for autosomal recessive conditions in a general population setting

OBJECTIVE

Carrier screening with reflex to single-gene noninvasive prenatal testing (sgNIPT) is an alternative approach for identifying pregnancies at risk for inherited autosomal recessive conditions without the need for a sample from the reproductive partner. This study is the largest clinical validation of this approach in a general population setting.

METHODS

The clinical performance of carrier screening with reflex to sgNIPT for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, alpha thalassemias, and beta hemoglobinopathies was assessed by collecting pregnancy outcome data on patients who underwent this testing and comparing the neonatal outcome to the assay-predicted fetal risk.

RESULTS

Of 42,067 pregnant individuals who underwent screening, 7538 carriers (17.9%) had reflex sgNIPT, and neonatal or fetal outcomes were obtained for 528 cases, including 25 affected pregnancies. Outcomes demonstrated high concordance with sgNIPT, for example, all pregnancies with 9 in 10 personalized fetal risk results were affected (positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% for the sub-group) and the sgNIPT assay showed a sensitivity of 96.0% (95% CI: 79.65%-99.90%), specificity of 95.2% (95% CI: 92.98%-96.92%), average PPV of 50.0% (95% CI: 35.23%-64.77%), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.8% (95% CI: 98.84%-99.99%). The end-to-end performance of carrier screening with reflex to sgNIPT was calculated to have a sensitivity of 92.4% and specificity of 99.9%, which are unaffected by partner carrier screening or misattributed paternity unlike a traditional carrier screening workflow, which has a 35% sensitivity and a maximum of 25% PPV (1 in 4) in a real-life setting.

CONCLUSION

This study builds upon earlier findings to confirm that carrier testing with reflex to sgNIPT is highly accurate for general population screening. Given this high accuracy and an NPV of 99.8%, this workflow should be considered as an option for most of the general pregnant population. When the biological partner sample is unavailable, this workflow should be recommended as the first-line approach.

Basic biochemical and hematological parameters of structural hemoglobin variants in the postpartum women and their respective newborn from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

The present study aimed at estimating the prevalence of structural hemoglobinopathies in newborn and describing the hematological and biochemical characteristics between postpartum women (PW) and their respective newborns (NB) at a public maternity hospital in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. In total, 825 NB and 820 PW were included in the study. Hematological and biochemical analysis and screening of structural hemoglobinopathies were performed and compared in groups of individuals (NICU or not; hemoglobin genotypes; gestational age and prenatal). The age of PW ranged from 13 to 44 years old (mean of 23.7 ± 6.6 years), with 45.9% pregnant for the first time and 54.1% multiparous. Reported receiving prenatal care 88% and regarding the type of delivery, 47.7% had delivered by cesarean section. Among the births, 19.4% were born premature and 8.3% were admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The male NB represented 53.4% of the total. Sickle cell trait (FAS) was found in 16 (1.94%) and heterozygous for D hemoglobin (FAD) in 6 (0.73%) newborns. A statistically significant values was found between the previous history of miscarriage and increase of Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p < .001), Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (p = .003), total and indirect bilirubin concentration (p < .001) and LDL cholesterol (p = .004). Hemoglobin levels below 13.5 g/dL was found in 66% black newborns, compared with 15% of Afro-Brazilian and 5% of whites. The frequency of structural hemoglobinopathies was higher in African-Brazilian newborn babies (78%) and those who with low birth weight had a higher frequency of NICU (35.7%). Interestingly, underage mothers had a higher frequency of NB with low birth weight and premature birth. Postpartum women who had children carriers of FAS and FAD had a higher frequency of urinary tract infection (65.2%) and moderate anemia (23.8%). This study estimated for the first time the prevalence of structural hemoglobinopathies in NB in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Despite the small prevalence of, we highlight the importance of early diagnosis of hemoglobin variants, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of PW and your NB, reinforce the need to implement educational and prevention programs to raise awareness among the population and in order to counsel parents regarding the probability of having a child with abnormal hemoglobins homozygous as HbSS or HbCC.

Healthcare utilization and the quality of life of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Youth diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) due to the complexities associated with this disease. The literature notes that predictors such as pain and poor mental health are associated with increased healthcare access; however, the connection between healthcare use and their overall well-being has been understudied. This study investigates whether healthcare utilization predicts the HRQOL in youth with SCD.

DESIGN/METHODS

Patients completed the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) 3.0 SCD module, whereas the researcher conducted a retrospective chart review to gather patient characteristics such as emergency room (ER) and hospitalization occurrences over the past 12 months.

RESULTS

The study consisted of 150 pediatric patients with SCD, ages 8-17 years old, and their parents. Patients with ≥ 4 ER visits and hospitalizations reported worse HRQOL scores than their respective counterparts. Additionally, a higher frequency of ER visits (P = 0.05) and hospitalizations (P = 0.005) predicted lower HRQOL scores. Age (P = 0.04) also emerged as a significant predictor for both regression models, as increased healthcare access among older patients with SCD was associated with poorer HRQOL.

CONCLUSION

This study found that as youth with SCD require ER treatment and/or hospital admission, they are at increased risk for lower HRQOL, specifically as they get older. Findings suggest that attention should be paid to patients who require more frequent healthcare intervention. Improvement in outpatient care of pediatric patients with SCD may help to mitigate ER and inpatient use.

Differential diagnosis of hereditary anemias from a fraction of blood drop by digital holography and hierarchical machine learning

Anemia affects about the 25% of the global population and can provoke severe diseases, ranging from weakness and dizziness to pregnancy problems, arrhythmias and hearth failures. About 10% of the patients are affected by rare anemias of which 80% are hereditary. Early differential diagnosis of anemia enables prescribing patients a proper treatment and diet, which is effective to mitigate the associated symptoms. Nevertheless, the differential diagnosis of these conditions is often difficult due to shared and overlapping phenotypes. Indeed, the complete blood count and unaided peripheral blood smear observation cannot always provide a reliable differential diagnosis, so that biomedical assays and genetic tests are needed. These procedures are not error-free, require skilled personnel, and severely impact the financial resources of national health systems. Here we show a differential screening system for hereditary anemias that relies on holographic imaging and artificial intelligence. Label-free holographic imaging is aided by a hierarchical machine learning decider that works even in the presence of a very limited dataset but is enough accurate for discerning between different anemia classes with minimal morphological dissimilarities. It is worth to notice that only a few tens of cells from each patient are sufficient to obtain a correct diagnosis, with the advantage of significantly limiting the volume of blood drawn. This work paves the way to a wider use of home screening systems for point of care blood testing and telemedicine with lab-on-chip platforms.

Newborn Screening Practices for Beta-Thalassemia in the United States

Beta-thalassemia, a heritable condition of abnormal hemoglobin production, is not a core condition on the United States Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) for state and territorial newborn screening (NBS) programs. However, screening for sickle cell disease (which is on the core RUSP) also detects reduced or absent levels of hemoglobin (Hb) A and certain other Hb variants associated with beta-thalassemia and, thus, allows for a timely referral to appropriate healthcare to minimize sequalae of the disease. The Association of Public Health Laboratories' Hemoglobinopathy Workgroup administered a comprehensive survey of all U.S. NBS programs to assess beta-thalassemia testing methodologies, the cutoffs for defining beta-thalassemia major, and the reporting and follow-up practices. Forty-six (87%) of the programs responded. Thirty-nine of the 46 responding programs (85%) report some form of suspected beta-thalassemia; however, the screening methods, the percentage of Hb A used as a cutoff for an indication of beta-thalassemia major, and the screening follow-up vary widely. The standardization of technical and reporting procedures may improve access to specialty care prior to severe complications, increase genetic counseling, and provide data needed to better understand the public health impact and clinical outcomes of beta-thalassemia in the United States.

Burden of anemia and its underlying causes in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background

Anemia is a common disease which affects around 40% of children and 30% of reproductive age women and can have major health consequences. The present study reports the global, regional and national burden of anemia and its underlying causes between 1990 and 2019, by age, sex and socio-demographic index (SDI).

Methods

Publicly available data on the point prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) were retrieved from the global burden of disease (GBD) 2019 study for 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2019. The point prevalence, YLD counts and rates per 100,000 population were presented, along with their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals.

Results

In 2019, the global age-standardized point prevalence and YLD rates for anemia were 23,176.2 (22,943.5–23,418.6) and 672.4 (447.2–981.5) per 100,000 population, respectively. Moreover, the global age-standardized point prevalence and YLD rate decreased by 13.4% (12.1–14.5%) and 18.8% (16.9–20.8%), respectively, over the period 1990–2019. The highest national point prevalences of anemia were found in Zambia [49327.1 (95% UI: 46,838.5–51,700.1)], Mali [46890.1 (95% UI: 44,301.1–49,389.8)], and Burkina Faso [46117.2 (95% UI: 43,640.7–48,319.2)]. In 2019, the global point prevalence of anemia was highest in the 15–19 and 95+ age groups in females and males, respectively. Also, the burden of anemia was lower in regions with higher socio-economic development. Globally, most of the prevalent cases were attributable to dietary iron deficiency, as well as hemoglobinopathies and hemolytic anemias.

Conclusions

Anemia remains a major health problem, especially among females in less developed countries. The implementation of preventive programs with a focus on improving access to iron supplements, early diagnosis and the treatment of hemoglobinopathies should be taken into consideration.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13045-021-01202-2.

Immigration and screening programs for hemoglobinopathies in Italy, Spain and Turkey

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemias are the most common monogenic diseases in the world. The number of migrants and refugees in Europe and Turkey, in the past decade, has increased dramatically due to war, violence or prosecutions in their homeland. Prevention and management of haemoglobin disorders is well established and managed in countries where these conditions were traditionally endemic or in countries that have a longstanding tradition of receiving migrants. Therefore, preventive and diagnostic programmes regarding hemoglobinopathies in immigrant populations have been implemented. The purpose of this paper it to report a summary of the experience gained in Italy, Spain and Turkey in migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

Health services use by children identified as heterozygous hemoglobinopathy mutation carriers via newborn screening

Background

Newborn screening (NBS) for sickle cell disease incidentally identifies heterozygous carriers of hemoglobinopathy mutations. In Ontario, Canada, these carrier results are not routinely disclosed, presenting an opportunity to investigate the potential health implications of carrier status. We aimed to compare rates of health services use among children identified as carriers of hemoglobinopathy mutations and those who received negative NBS results.

Methods

Eligible children underwent NBS in Ontario from October 2006 to March 2010 and were identified as carriers or as screen-negative controls, matched to carriers 5:1 based on neighbourhood and timing of birth. We used health care administrative data to determine frequencies of inpatient hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and physician encounters through March 2012, using multivariable negative binomial regression to compare rates of service use in the two cohorts. We analyzed data from 4987 carriers and 24,935 controls.

Results

Adjusted incidence rate ratios (95% CI) for service use in carriers versus controls among children < 1 year of age were: 1.11 (1.06–1.17) for ED visits; 0.97 (0.89–1.06) for inpatient hospitalization; and 1.02 (1.00–1.04) for physician encounters. Among children ≥1 year of age, adjusted rate ratios were: 1.03 (0.98–1.07) for ED visits; 1.14 (1.03–1.25) for inpatient hospitalization and 0.92 (0.90–0.94) for physician encounters.

Conclusions

While we identified statistically significant differences in health services use among carriers of hemoglobinopathy mutations relative to controls, effect sizes were small and directions of association inconsistent across age groups and health service types. Our findings are consistent with the assumption that carrier status is likely benign in early childhood.

Newborn Screening Practices and Alpha-Thalassemia Detection - United States, 2016

Alpha-thalassemia comprises a group of inherited disorders in which alpha-hemoglobin chain production is reduced. Depending on the genotype, alpha-thalassemia results in moderate to profound anemia, hemolysis, growth delays, splenomegaly, and increased risk for thromboembolic events; certain patients might require chronic transfusions. Although alpha-thalassemia is not a core condition of the United States Recommended Uniform Screening Panel* for state newborn screening programs, methodologies used by some newborn screening programs to detect sickle cell disease, which is a core panel condition, also detect a quantitative marker of alpha-thalassemia, hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's, an abnormal type of hemoglobin. The percentage of Hb Bart's detected correlates with alpha-thalassemia severity. The Association of Public Health Laboratories' Hemoglobinopathy Workgroup conducted a survey of state newborn screening programs' alpha-thalassemia screening methodologies and reporting and follow-up practices. Survey findings indicated that 41 of 44 responding programs (93%) report some form of alpha-thalassemia results and 57% used a two-method screening protocol. However, the percentage of Hb Bart's used for thalassemia classification, the types of alpha-thalassemia reported, and the recipients of this information varied widely. These survey findings highlight the opportunity for newborn screening programs to revisit their policies as they reevaluate their practices in light of the recently released guideline from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) on Newborn Screening for Hemoglobinopathies (1). Although deferring to local programs for policies, the report used a cutoff of 25% Hb Bart's in its decision tree, a value many programs do not use. Standardization of screening and reporting might lead to more timely diagnoses and health care services and improved outcomes for persons with a clinically significant alpha-thalassemia.

Investigating the suitability of high-resolution mass spectrometry for newborn screening: identification of hemoglobinopathies and β-thalassemias in dried blood spots

A fast and reliable method for the determination of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias by high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HRAM/MS) is presented. The established method was verified in a prospective clinical study (HRAM/MS vs. high-pressure liquid chromatography [HPLC]) of 5335 de-identified newborn samples from the Hamburg area. The analytical method is based on a dual strategy using intact protein ratios for thalassemias and tryptic digest fragments for the diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. Due to the minimal sample preparation and the use of flow injection, the assay can be considered as a high-throughput screening approach for newborn screening programs (2 min/sample). Using a simple dried blood spot (DBS) extraction (tryptic digest buffer), the following results were obtained: (1) a carrier incidence of 1:100 newborns (35 FAS, nine FAC, eight FAD and two FAE), and (2) no homozygous affected patient was detected. Using the HRAM/MS protocol, an unknown Hb mutation was identified and confirmed by genetic testing. In addition to greater specificity toward rare mutations and β-thalassemia, the low price/sample (1–2€) as well as an automated data processing represent the major benefits of the described HRAM/MS method.

Evaluation of Thalassaemia Screening Tests in the Antenatal and Non-Antenatal Populations in Singapore

Introduction: Haemoglobinopathy testing is performed for carrier screening and evaluation of microcytic anaemia. We evaluated the effectiveness of thalassaemia screening tests at our institution and suggest ways of improving the testing algorithm. Materials and Methods: A total of 10,084 non-antenatal and 11,364 antenatal samples with alkaline gel electrophoresis (AGE), capillary electrophoresis (CE), haemoglobin H (HbH) inclusion test, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were retrospectively reviewed. A subgroup of 187 samples with genetic testing was correlated with HbH inclusions and MCH/MCV. The effect of iron deficiency on percentage haemoglobin A2 (HbA2) was studied. Results: HbH inclusion test showed low sensitivity of 21.43% for α-thalassaemia mutations but higher sensitivity of 78.95% for --SEA deletion. Byreceiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, MCH ≤28 pg or MCV ≤80 fl for non-antenatal samples and MCH ≤27 pg or MCV ≤81 fl for antenatal samples had >98% sensitivity for HbH inclusions. Above these thresholds, the probability that HbH inclusions would be absent was >99% (negative predictive value [NPV] >99%). MCH ≤28 pg had 100% sensitivity (95% CI 95.63%-100%) for α-thalassaemia mutations and 97.68% calculated NPV in the antenatal population. Detection of haemoglobin variants by CE correlated highly with AGE (99.89% sensitivity, 100% specificity). Severe iron deficiency reduced HbA2 in haemoglobin E (P <0.001) and α-thalassaemia (P = 0.0035), but not in β-thalassaemia. Conclusion: MCH/MCV thresholds have adequate sensitivity for α-thalassaemia in the antenatal population, and genotyping plays an important role as HbH inclusion test shows low sensitivity. CE without AGE, may be used as initial screening for haemoglobin variants. Our study provides contemporary data to guide thalassaemia screening algorithms in Singapore. Key words: Haemoglobinopathy, Mean corpuscular haemoglobin, Mean corpuscular volume

Thalassemia in the laboratory: pearls, pitfalls, and promises

Thalassemia is one of the most common hereditary disorders of the developing world, and it is associated with severe anemia and transfusion dependence. The global health burden of thalassemia has increased as a result of human mobility and migration in recent years. Depending on inherited mutations, thalassemia patients exhibit distorted hemoglobin (Hb) patterns and deviated red cell indices, both of which can be used to support identification by diagnostic tools. Diagnostic approaches vary depending on the target population and the aim of the testing. Current methods, which are based on Hb patterns, are used for first-line screening, whereas molecular testing is needed for conformation of the results and for prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. In the present paper, we review the diagnostic parameters, pitfalls, interfering factors, and methods; currently available best-practice guidelines; quality assurance and standardization of the procedures; and promising laboratory technologies for the future of thalassemia diagnosis.

Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited disorders caused by mutations in HBB, which encodes haemoglobin subunit β. The incidence is estimated to be between 300,000 and 400,000 neonates globally each year, the majority in sub-Saharan Africa. Haemoglobin molecules that include mutant sickle β-globin subunits can polymerize; erythrocytes that contain mostly haemoglobin polymers assume a sickled form and are prone to haemolysis. Other pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the SCD phenotype are vaso-occlusion and activation of the immune system. SCD is characterized by a remarkable phenotypic complexity. Common acute complications are acute pain events, acute chest syndrome and stroke; chronic complications (including chronic kidney disease) can damage all organs. Hydroxycarbamide, blood transfusions and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation can reduce the severity of the disease. Early diagnosis is crucial to improve survival, and universal newborn screening programmes have been implemented in some countries but are challenging in low-income, high-burden settings.

Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women

Screening for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in all pregnant women is recommended. IDA is a prevalent cause of nutritional deficiency anemia, and oral iron is the first line of treatment. Other treatments include parenteral iron or blood transfusion(s). Untreated IDA in pregnancy can result in complications for the mother and fetus.

Thalassemias in South Asia: clinical lessons learnt from Bangladesh

Thalassemias are emerging as a global public health concern. Due to remarkable success in the reduction of childhood mortality by controlling infectious diseases in developing countries, thalassemias are likely to be a major public health concern in the coming decades in South Asia. Despite the fact that Bangladesh lies in the world’s thalassemia belt, the information on different aspects (epidemiology, clinical course, mortality, complications and treatment outcomes) of thalassemias is lacking. In this comprehensive review, the aim is to to depict the epidemiological aspects of thalassemias, mutation profile and current treatment and management practices in the country by sharing the experience of dealing with 1178 cases over 2009–2014 time periods in a specialized thalassemia treatment centre. We have also discussed the preventative strategies of thalassemias from the context of Bangladesh which could be effective for other developing countries.

Newborn Sequencing in Genomic Medicine and Public Health

The rapid development of genomic sequencing technologies has decreased the cost of genetic analysis to the extent that it seems plausible that genome-scale sequencing could have widespread availability in pediatric care. Genomic sequencing provides a powerful diagnostic modality for patients who manifest symptoms of monogenic disease and an opportunity to detect health conditions before their development. However, many technical, clinical, ethical, and societal challenges should be addressed before such technology is widely deployed in pediatric practice. This article provides an overview of the Newborn Sequencing in Genomic Medicine and Public Health Consortium, which is investigating the application of genome-scale sequencing in newborns for both diagnosis and screening.

Current Standards of Care and Long Term Outcomes for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease

Thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD) are disorders of hemoglobin that affect millions of people worldwide. The carrier states for these diseases arose as common, balanced polymorphisms during human history because they afforded protection against severe forms of malaria. These complex, multisystem diseases are reviewed here with a focus on current standards of clinical management and recent research findings. The importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and lifelong system of care is also emphasized.

Favorable outcomes after in utero transfusion in fetuses with alpha thalassemia major: a case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Alpha thalassemia major (ATM) is often fatal in utero due to severe hydrops fetalis. Although in utero transfusions (IUTs) are increasingly used to allow fetal survival in ATM, prenatal and postnatal outcomes are not well described.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed cases of ATM at our institution treated with consecutive IUT. Clinical records were reviewed for transfusion history, neurodevelopmental outcomes, anatomic abnormalities, survival to hematopoietic cell transplantation, and transfusion independence. A systematic review was performed, and additional reported cases are discussed.

RESULTS

Three patients who underwent IUT for ATM were identified, and review of the literature revealed 17 reported cases. Of patients who received IUT, reported neurodevelopmental deficits occurred in 29% (4/14) and anatomic abnormalities in 55% (11/20). Four patients eventually underwent successful hematopoietic cell transplantation. Transfusion volumes were less than suggested guidelines for other causes of fetal anemia in 91.7% of the transfusions.

CONCLUSION

This series demonstrates the potential for achieving full fetal development with normal neurologic outcomes in those affected by ATM. It provides support for continued patient and provider education about current benefits and risks of active prenatal therapy for fetuses with ATM, as well as continued research to optimize therapeutic strategies such as in utero transplantation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Primary Prevention of Hemoglobinopathies by Prenatal Diagnosis and Selective Pregnancy Termination in a Muslim Country: Oman

Hemoglobinopathies (HBP) are the most common genetic disorder in Oman and are in need of prevention programs due to the high incidence of β-thalassemia major and sickle cell disease. Prenatal diagnosis (PD) and selective pregnancy termination is shown to be the most effective prevention tool for the control of HBP. However, PD is not available in Oman thus far because abortion is subject to religious, cultural and ethical issues. We have examined the attitude of a number of Omani HBP carrier couples towards prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion. We have interviewed 35 couples at risk visiting the main premarital clinic in Muscat between Jan 2011 and Jan 2012. Couples were interviewed using a pre-structured questionnaire. The majority would have accepted prenatal diagnosis (94%) if the service would be available in the country but pregnancy termination was greatly influenced by religious values.