Publication:

Role of high-performance liquid chromatography in detection of hemoglobinopathies: a cross-sectional study

Background Hemoglobinopathies are a group of inherited disorders affecting the public health in many parts of the world, particularly in South Gujarat region for structure or production of haemoglobin (Hb). Hemoglobinopathies are disorders having high mortality ratio in regions with high prevalence carrier state. Objectives were to determine the frequency of hemoglobinopathies in south Gujarat community by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) test, to study haemoglobin disorder among all ages and gender wise distribution of haemoglobinopathies, to study the incidence of haemoglobinopathies in different castes in patients and to compare the results of present study with the results of other authors similar studies.

Methods Total 740 cases were observed on Bio-Rad D-10 HPLC, a platform for screening haemoglobin variant and hemoglobinopathies. Cases that were diagnosed over one year at SMIMER hospital, Surat and were taken for study. Each case evaluated with clinical features, hematological parameters and its geographical pattern.

Results The cases included a series of hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease (SCD), sickle cell trait (SCT) HbS, beta-thalassemia trait/major/minor and intermedia, HbE disease and other rare diseases etc. Common clinical condition included low Hb, fever, cold, joint pain, abdominal pain, splenomegaly. Family study was taken into consideration for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusions Studying spectrum of hemoglobinopathies diagnosed by HPLC helps improving the prevalence and distribution of various haemoglobin disorders. It gives accurate quantitative measurements. Early diagnosis and management of hemoglobinopathies improve quality of life and reduce the risk of morbidity.