PREVALENCE OF BETA-THALASSEMIA TRAIT IN 1124 STUDENTS FROM AEGEAN REGION OF TURKEY

Although the beta (beta) thalassaemia carrier frequency in Turkey was stated to be 2 per cent, the prevalence rate varies widely in differen t regions and there is limited data confirming the disorder in Aegean region. This prevalence study was planned to determine frequency of be ta thalassaemia trait in the Aegean region among 1124 high school stud ents, between 13 and 18 years old, who were selected as target populat ion. Sensitivity of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) in prediction of beta thalassaemia trait were evalu ated. Venous blood samples were obtained for haemoglobin electrophores is, HbA(2) and HbF, serum iron and total iron binding capacity from st udents in whom the levels of haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), MCV, or MCH, were low compared to normal values. The prevalence of beta th alassaemia trait in Aegean region was 3 per cent. Sensitivity of MCV a nd MCH for determining beta thalassaemia trait were 100 and 96 per cen t, respectively.