Rapid diagnosis of thalassemias and other hemoglobinopathies by capillary electrophoresis system
Received 8 July 2008; received in revised form 22 August 2008; accepted 26 August 2008. published online 02 October 2008.
Basic diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies can be performed by analysis of erythrocyte indices as well as by the separation and quantification of the common hemoglobin (Hb) fractions Hb A2, Hb S, Hb C, Hb D, Hb E, and Hb F. This study used an automatic capillary zone electrophoresis system to diagnose various types of hemoglobinopathies common in the Thai population. A total of 459 adults were recruited, which consisted of normal, various types of thalassemia carriers, and thalassemia patients with different genotypes. Hb types and quantification of all Hb components were determined by an automated capillary zone electrophoresis. The automatic capillary electrophoresis system can separate and quantitate Hbs A, F, E, A2, Constant Spring (CS), H, and Bart's in a way that is comparable with other Hb analysis methods. Moreover, the Hb A2 peak can be distinguished clearly from the Hb E peak in individuals who carry Hb E. The slightly increased levels of Hb A2, 3.5% ± 0.4%, which is shown in the carriers of Hb E, confirm that Hb E is the silent phenotype of β+-thalassemia.
Thalassemia Research Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Research and Development, the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, and the Nakornpathom Hospital, Nakornpathom, Thailand
Reprint requests: Suthat Fucharoen, MD, Thalassemia Research Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Research and Development, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 25/25 Phuttamonthon 4 Rd, Phuttamonthon, Nakornpathom 73170, Thailand
Supported in part by Grant RTA480003 from the Thailand Research Fund (to S.F. as a Senior Research Scholar).
ABSTRACT