Publication:

Haemoglobin variants seen in a secondary care hospital of Nagaland, India

Background Haemoglobinopathies is one of the commonest Globin gene disorders in the world, especially in South east Asia and in India the Northeastern regions in particular. These conditions represent a major health burden with significant morbidity and mortality and cause considerable social and financial burdens. However, there is a scarcity of data on haemoglobinopathies or haemoglobin (Hb)variants among the population of Nagaland a Northeastern states of India. This retrospective study was conducted with an aim to fill the data gap on various Hb Variants in the region.

Methods The present study is a retrospective study, conducted in secondary hospital in Nagaland. A total of 646 Hb high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and complete blood count (CBC) data were collected from patients whose sample were sent to laboratory for Hb variants screening.

Results In a total of 646 patient data analysed, 44.27% had a normal Hb HPLC pattern, while 55.73% shows abnormal Hb variants. HbE homozygous was observed in 23.84%, heterozygous HbE 16.56%, heterozygous β-thalassemia 9.44%, heterozygous sickle cell 2.17%, homozygous sickle cell/sickle cell β-thalassemia1.86%, Compound form of HbE homozygous with β-thalassemia 0.93%. Among the Hb variants detected, HbE variants is the commonest variants.

Conclusions The study analysed 646 samples using HPLC, finding over half 55.73% with abnormal haemoglobin patterns, mainly HbE variants. As Scarcity of data is seen in the region, this study provides an important baseline for future research highlighting the need for screening, genetic counselling, and molecular studies.