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HbE Level and Red Cell Parameters in Heterozygous HbE With and Without α0-Thalassemia Trait

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Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We compared hemoglobin (Hb) E levels and red cell parameters between heterozygous HbE with and without α0-thalassemia trait and also determine their appropriated cut-off points for differentiating these two groups. High performance liquid chromatography analysis results and mean levels of red blood cell (RBC) parameters, including RBC count, total Hb, hematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC of heterozygous HbE with α0-thalassemia trait (n = 183) and without α0-thalassemia trait (n = 1437) were reviewed and compared. The α0-thalassemia status in these samples was detected by real-time PCR with SYBR Green1 and high resolution melting analysis. Mean levels of HbE, total Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC of heterozygous HbE with α0-thalassemia trait were significantly lower than those of heterozygous HbE without α0-thalassemia trait (P < 0.001). In addition, HbE level at a cut-off value of < 24% was superior to MCV (< 80 fL) and MCH (< 27 pg) for differentiating the heterozygous HbE with and without α0-thalassemia trait with 100% sensitivity and 87.2% specificity. Despite certain limitations of this study like missing RDW and reticulocyte counts, and not testing for α+-thalassemia and Hb Constant Spring, we conclude that the HbE level at a cut-off point of < 24% is a useful marker for initial discrimination between heterozygous HbE with and without α0-thalassemia trait.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank technicians in the Associated Medical Sciences Clinical Service Center, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand for their help and assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

    Sakorn Pornprasert

  2. Associated Medical Sciences Clinical Service Center, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Monthathip Tookjai, Manoo Punyamung & Panida Pongpunyayuen

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  1. Sakorn Pornprasert
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  2. Monthathip Tookjai
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  3. Manoo Punyamung
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  4. Panida Pongpunyayuen
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Correspondence to Sakorn Pornprasert.

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The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

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Pornprasert, S., Tookjai, M., Punyamung, M. et al. HbE Level and Red Cell Parameters in Heterozygous HbE With and Without α0-Thalassemia Trait. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 34, 662–665 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12288-018-0947-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12288-018-0947-8

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