Ethnic distribution in empirically treated cases of haemoglobin disorders at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital, Bhavnagar – A study of 50 cases

Abstract

Background: In Sir Takhtasinhji Hospital, Bhavnagar, a large number of anaemic patients are seen in outpatient department. Many of these have haemoglobin disorders and on some kind of empirical therapy for years The present study was carried out with the objective of determining the prevalence of haemoglobin disorders in these cases, Gender-wise distribution, family history and most importantly their ethnic distribution. Materials & Method: The study was conducted on total of 50 outdoor & indoor unlabelled cases of haemoglobin disorders detected at Central laboratory, Department of Pathology, Sir T. Hospital, Bhavnagar. The cases selected on basis of detailed clinical history and physical examination had been on iron / folic acid / blood transfusion therapy of ≥ 1 month. The samples were analysed using RBC indices, Discriminant functions, Cellulose Acetate & Agarose Gel Electrophoresis and HPLC and conclusive diagnosis was given. A religionwise & castewise distribution was made and analysed. Results: Out of 50 cases studied, 33 cases were eventually diagnosed thalassaemia major, 1 thalassaemia intermedia, 11 thalassaemia trait & 5 sickle cell anaemia. Family history was positive in 74% cases and females were more frequently affected. Religionwise majority were Hindus(74%) and castewise majority belonged to the Koli community(28%). Ethnic diversity was also observed.