Prevalence of hemoglobin elecrophoretic patterns analyzed at CIHATA during 2011-2013

Abstract

Hemoglobinopathies are disorders of the globin chains that compose hemoglobin, among the most common alterations stand thalassemia and sickle-cell disease. In a retrospective study of the samples analyzed by hemoglobin electrophoresis at CIHATA for the period 2011-2013, where a total of 2345 analyzed samples were obtained, of which the most frequent electrophoretic pattern was the Hb AA2, with a A2 average value of (4.8±0.8%), compatible with the diagnosis of β thalassemia minor; followed by the associated pattern Hb S. Fewer results were observed with Hb AC, AF, AA2F, among others. The patterns are distributed throughout the country but located mostly in the central region (area of greatest shipping samples to center). It is important to detect abnormal patterns, because although not associated with clinical, under hypoxic conditions or physiological stress serious complications can occur, and especially to provide genetic counseling. This update provides an overview of the frequency of circulating hemoglobin disorders in Costa Rica in recent years. Efforts should be made into collecting clinical information and complete clinical information of all patients, in order to complete case reports that can assist in the optimal diagnostic approach to patients and families.