Molecular epidemiology and hematological profiles of hemoglobin variants in southern Thailand.

Data on hemoglobin (Hb) variants in southern Thailand are lacking. This study aimed to reassess the frequency of Hb variants and the clinical aspects of compound heterozygous Hb variant with other hemoglobinopathies. We enrolled 13,391 participants from ten provinces in southern Thailand during 2015-2022.

Development of molecular diagnostic platform for α -thalassemia 44.6 kb (Chiang Rai, -- ) deletion in individuals with microcytic red blood cells across Thailand.

Introduction: The α -thalassemia 44.6 kb or Chiang Rai (-- ) deletion has been reported in northern Thailand and is capable of causing hemoglobin (Hb) H disease and a lethal α-thalassemia genotype, Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis, in this region. However, there are no current data regarding the frequency of -- nationwide due to a lack of effective diagnostic assay.

Comparison of HbA2, E, F and Red Cell Parameters in Homozygous HbE With and Without α0-Thalassemia Trait.

Objectives: To compare levels of HbA2, HbE, HbF, and red cell parameters (total Hb, PCV, MCV, and MCH) and also determine their appropriated cut-off points for initial discrimination between homozygous HbE with and without α0-thalassemia trait.

Methods: Hb analysis results from capillary electrophoresis (CE) and red cell parameters of homozygous HbE without α0-thalassemia trait (n = 41) and with α0-thalassemia trait (n = 17) were reviewed.

Results: The MCV, MCH, and HbE of homozygous HbE with α0-thalassemia trait were significantly lower than those of homozygous HbE without α0-thalassemia, while HbA2 levels of the former were significantly higher than those of the latter.