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Updated: Dec 26, 2025
A Precision Medicine Tool for Measurement and Monitoring of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Receiving Transfusion Therapy
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF NEWBORNS WITH SICKLE CELL TRAIT IN SERGIPE, BRAZIL
Débora Cristina Fontes Leite1, Rosana Cipolotti1, Ricardo Queiroz Gurgel1
1Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, SE, Brazil.
Insights
Spatial analysis revealed high sickle cell trait (SCT) carrier frequencies in Sergipe, Brazil. This mapping aids in planning health services for sickle cell disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Public Health
- Spatial Epidemiology
Background:
- Sickle cell trait (SCT) is a genetic condition affecting hemoglobin.
- Understanding the spatial distribution of SCT is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the spatial distribution of sickle cell trait (SCT) in Sergipe, Brazil.
- To determine the frequency of hemoglobin S (HbS) carriers within the state.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal screening data from 32,906 newborns in Sergipe (Oct 2011-Oct 2012) were analyzed.
- Spatial autocorrelation (Moran's index) was employed to assess the distribution of heterozygous individuals.
- Correlation with demographic data (percentage of black and multiracial populations) was examined.
Main Results:
- 1,202 newborns (3.65%) exhibited hemoglobin variants other than Hemoglobin A.
- A positive correlation was observed between the incidence of SCT and the proportion of black and multiracial individuals.
- High-frequency SCT clusters were identified in Aracaju, Nossa Senhora do Socorro, São Cristóvão, Itabaiana, Lagarto, and Estância.
Conclusions:
- Spatial analysis effectively identified regions with a high prevalence of HbS carriers in Sergipe.
- This data is vital for strategic health care planning and resource allocation.
- The methodology can be applied to pinpoint areas needing specialized health units for sickle cell disease management.
Objective:
To use the spatial distribution of the sickle cell trait (SCT) to analyze the frequency of hemoglobin S (HbS) carriers in Sergipe.
Methods:
The sample consisted of all individuals born in Sergipe from October 2011 to October 2012 who underwent neonatal screening in the public health system. Tests were carried out in basic health units and forwarded to the University Hospital laboratory, where they were analyzed. We used spatial autocorrelation (Moran's index) to assess the spatial distribution of heterozygous individuals with hemoglobinopathies.
Results:
Among 32,906 newborns, 1,202 showed other types of hemoglobin besides Hemoglobin A. We found a positive correlation between the percentage of black and multiracial people and the incidence of SCT. Most SCT cases occurred in the cities of Aracaju (n=273; 22.7%), Nossa Senhora do Socorro (n=102; 8.4%), São Cristóvão (n=58; 4.8%), Itabaiana (n=39; 4.2%), Lagarto (n=37; 4.01%), and Estância (n=46; 4.9%).
Conclusions:
The spatial distribution analysis identified regions in the state with a high frequency of HbS carriers. This information is important health care planning. This method can be applied to detect other places that need health units to guide and care for sickle cell disease patients and their families.
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