International Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2015,5,4,349-352.DOI:10.4103/2230-8598.165091Published:Oct 2015Type:Original ArticleStudy of prevalence of hemoglobinopathy in Sindhi community of Jamnagar, Gujarat: A pilot studyViral M. Bhanvadia, Alpesh Chavda, Dhaval Mehta, Asha Satvara, Monika Parmar, and Shamim S. Sheikh Viral M. Bhanvadia, Alpesh Chavda, Dhaval Mehta, Asha Satvara, Monika Parmar, Shamim S. Sheikh Department of Pathology, M.P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India Abstract:Introduction: Hemoglobinopathies are the most common hereditary disorders in India and pose a major health problem. A pilot study is carried out to find the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in the Sindhi community of Jamnagar, district of Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was undertaken among 109, apparently healthy Sindhi individual from community in Jamnagar, district of Gujarat, India from January to February 2015. All the samples were tested in automated hematology cell counter and cellulose acetate electrophoresis at alkaline pH. Hemoglobin and various red blood cell indices were derived on all samples. HbA2 level of ≥3.8% was taken as confirmatory of Beta-thalassemia trait (BTT). Result: Of 109 samples, BTT and sickle cell trait (SCT) were more common in 12–21 years of male and female, respectively. The overall prevalence of hemoglobinopathy was 21/109 (19.26%), comprised of 17 (15.59%) cases of BTT and 4 (3.66%) cases of SCT. Conclusion: Sindhi community has a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathy mainly BTT. Mass awareness and community screening of individual and proper counseling should be done to reduce the burden of disease. Keywords:Automated hematology cell counter, beta-thalassemia trait, cellulose acetate electrophoresis, sickle cell traitView:PDF (525.62 KB)