Related Experiment Videos
Routine screening for sickle cell haemoglobinopathy by electrophoresis in an infant welfare clinic
O O Omotade1, C M Kayode, S L Falade
1Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Insights
This study screened 10,115 Nigerian infants for sickle cell haemoglobinopathy (SCH). SCH gene frequencies were higher than previously reported, suggesting early screening is vital for detection and genetic counseling in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell haemoglobinopathy (SCH) is a significant health concern.
- Early detection and genetic counseling are crucial for managing SCH.
- Infant welfare clinics offer a potential avenue for widespread screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the experience of a Nigerian infant welfare clinic in sickle cell haemoglobinopathy (SCH) screening.
- To determine the prevalence of SCH and carrier status in a Nigerian infant population.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using infant welfare clinics for SCH screening in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Electrophoresis was used to screen 10,115 children over 12 years.
- Data on haemoglobin genotypes (Hb SS, Hb SC, Hb AS) were collected.
- Gene frequencies for Hb A, Hb S, and Hb C were calculated.
Main Results:
- Homozygous sickle cell haemoglobin (Hb SS) was found in 3.1% of children.
- Haemoglobin S + C (Hb SC) was detected in 1.1% of children.
- Sickle cell gene carriers (Hb AS) comprised 23.7% of the screened population.
- Observed gene frequencies for S and C were higher than in other Nigerian regions.
Conclusions:
- Screening for sickle cell haemoglobinopathy in the first year of life via infant welfare clinics is a viable approach.
- This method aids in the detection and genetic counseling of SCH in developing countries with limited resources.
- The study highlights the higher prevalence of SCH genes in the studied population, emphasizing the need for targeted screening programs.
Abstract:
The experience of a Nigerian infant welfare clinic in offering sickle cell haemoglo-binopathy (SCH) screening by electrophoresis to its clinic population over a 12-year period is reported. Overall 10,115 children were screened. Homozygous haemoglobin S was detected in 3.1% and haemoglobin S + C in 1.1%. Carriers of the sickle cell gene (haemoglobin A + S) comprised 23.7% of the children screened. Gene frequencies for the A, S and C genes were 0.814, 0.155 and 0.031 respectively. The gene frequencies of the S and C genes were higher than those reported in infants and under-five children from other parts of Nigeria. Screening for sickle cell haemoglobinopathy in the first year of life through infant welfare clinics and 'well-baby' clinics as described in this report is suggested as a viable approach to the problems of detection (and genetic counselling) of SCH in developing countries with their scant resources. The advantages and limitations of this approach are discussed.