2024, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A

Background: Alpha-thalassemia is caused by deletions of the α-globin genes on chromosome 16. The presence of hemoglobin Bart’s on the newborn screen almost always indicates that one or more of the baby’s α-globin genes are deleted.

Objectives: To identify the rate of occurrence of HbBart’s among group of neonates by cord blood assay.

Materials and Methods: Total of 120 cord blood samples of newborn were examined by α-thalassemia short program utilizes the principles of cation exchange HPLC for the presence of Hb Bart’s. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS 26.

Results: Hb Bart’s was encountered in 93 cases (77.5%) neonates constituting 1 - 10.4% of their total Hb, of these 92 cases (76.67%) were of α-thalasse-2 (Silent alpha-thalassemia) and 1 (0.83%) of α-thalasse-1 (α-thalassemia trait). Our results found to be slightly higher than the prevalence of the disease in the Middle East and western Asia (12.55%) and Southeast Asia (6 -75%).

Conclusion: Our study clarifies the importance for further future study and follow up of neonates with high percentage of HbBart’s.