Kingchaiyaphum B, Sanchaisuriya K, Fucharoen G, Chaibunruang A, Hess SY, Hinnouho GM, Barffour MA, Wessells KR, Kounnavong S, Fucharoen S. Hemoglobins F, A
2 , and E levels in Laotian children aged 6-23 months with Hb E disorders: Effect of age, sex, and thalassemia types.
Int J Lab Hematol 2020;
42:277-283. [PMID:
32048804 PMCID:
PMC7318314 DOI:
10.1111/ijlh.13164]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction
Determination of hemoglobins (Hbs) F, A2, and E is crucial for diagnosis of thalassemia. This study determined the levels of Hbs F, A2, and E in children aged 6‐23 months and investigated the effect of age, sex, and types of thalassemia on the expression of these Hbs.
Methods
A total of 698 blood samples of Laotian children including 272 non‐Hb E, 271 Hb E heterozygotes, and 155 Hb E homozygotes were collected. Hb profiles were determined using the capillary zone electrophoresis. Coinheritance of α‐thalassemia and the homozygosity for Hb E mutation were checked by PCR‐based assay.
Results
Children heterozygous and homozygous for Hb E had significantly higher Hb F and A2 levels than non‐Hb E children (median Hb F = 1.1% for non‐Hb E group, 2.7% for Hb E heterozygotes, and 9.4% for Hb E homozygotes; median Hb A2 = 2.6% for non‐Hb E group, 3.8% for Hb E heterozygotes, and 5.2% for Hb E homozygotes). The median Hb E levels were 21.9% for Hb E heterozygotes and 85.3% for Hb E homozygotes. Comparing within group, there was a statistically significant difference between children with and without an α‐gene defect for Hb A2 and E, but not Hb F. Based on a multiple regression analysis, age and sex were significantly associated with the expression of Hb F and A2 but not Hb E.
Conclusions
Our findings can guide the development of a diagnostic approach to thalassemia in children aged 6‐23 months.
Collapse