Study of abnormal haemoglobin variants in patients of anaemia using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in Gujarat, India

Abstract

Introduction: Haemoglobinopathies are the most common inherited red cell disorders world-wide. Identification of these disorders is immensely important epidemiologically, for early diagnosis, improved management protocols and prevention of disease in upcoming generation. Our aim is to study the abnormal haemoglobin variants in patients of anaemia using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) BIO-RAD D-10 Dual Program analyser in Vadodara region of Gujarat. Methods: A total of 1890 cases of patient’s with anaemia having haemoglobin up to 11 gm% were studied for HPLC for diagnosing any abnormal haemoglobin disorder by BIO-RAD D-10 Dual Program analyser. Results: Out of 1890 cases of anaemia studied, 1236 (65.3%) cases showed abnormal haemoglobin, and rest 654 (52.9%) cases showed normal result on HPLC. Of these, 1236 cases, 686 cases of sickle cell trait (55.5%) the predominant abnormality, followed by 247 cases of sickle cell disease (19.9%). There were 208 cases of beta Thalassemia trait (16.8%), followed by 89 cases of double heterozygous state of beta thalassemia and sickle cell trait (7.2%). There were three cases of Thalassemia major with high Hb F (0.24%), two cases of Hb D Punjab heterozygous patients (0.16%) and one case of Hb E heterozygous (0.08%). Conclusion: HPLC is an accurate, simple and superior technique in detection of various haemoglobin disorders, which helps in management of patients and prognostic significance. It is also important in premarital and antenatal screening tests, to prevent birth of children with severe Haemoglobin disorders.