2.Potential use of cord blood for Hb E hemoglobinopathy screening programme using capillary electrophoresis
Wan Asmuni Wan Mohd Saman ; Rosline Hassan ; Shafini Mohd Yusoff ; Che Anuar Che Yaakob ; Nurul Ain Fathma Abdullah ; Selamah Ghazali ; Muhammad Amiro Rasheeq Mohd Radzi ; Rosnah Bahar
The Malaysian Journal of Pathology 2016;38(3):235-239
Background: Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies are inherited red blood cell disorders found
worldwide. Hemoglobin (Hb) E disorder is one of the hemoglobinopathies known to have the high
prevalence in South East Asia. Most of transfusion-dependent thalassemias were genotypically
compound heterozygous Hb E/ β-thalassemia. In Malaysia, the national screening program for
thalassemia was implemented for early pregnancy or secondary school girls; however many participants
do not turn-up and missed the screening test. Screening for thalassemia using samples from cord
blood is an alternative choice as it is a readily available source of blood and hence early detection
of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential use of cord blood for the
screening of HbE hemoglobinopathy by using capillary electrophoresis (CE). Methods: Cord blood
samples were collected from 300 newborns of healthy mothers. Hematological parameters were
determined and hemoglobin quantitation for all cord blood samples were performed using capillary
electrophoresis system (CES) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Majority
of cord blood samples (63%) revealed Hb AF followed by Hb AFA2
(20%). Hb AFE was detected
in 10.7% with the mean value of Hb E ranging from 2.3%-11.1%. Conclusion: Hemoglobin E was
detected in cord blood using capillary electrophoresis system. It can be recommended in areas where
Hb E/β is prevalent. Implementation of a screening strategy using CE on cord blood sampling will
identify the disease early. With regular follow-up on these patients, the status of their disease can
be determined earlier and appropriate management implemented.