Existence of HbF Enhancer Haplotypes at Intergenic Region in Transfusion-Dependent Saudi -Thalassemia Patients.

. -Thalassemia and sickle cell disease are genetic disorders characterized by reduced and abnormal -globin chain production, respectively. The elevation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can ameliorate the severity of these disorders.

Demands and challenges for patients with sickle-cell disease requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Saudi Arabia.

Allogeneic HSCT is the only curative treatment for SCD. In this study, we estimated the number of Saudi patients with SCD who are candidates for HSCT. We used the presence of overt stroke, recurrent ACS, and frequent severe pain crisis as indications for HSCT.

Spectrum of α-thalassemia mutations in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Both α- and β-thalassemia (α- and β-thal) are highly prevalent in the population of the Al-Qatif and Al-Ahsa regions in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. This study provides a more precise picture of the α-thal mutations prevalent in 104 transfusion-dependent β-thal patients in the Eastern Province. Detection of α-thal mutations was carried out using the α-globin StripAssay kit.

Regional experience with newborn screening for sickle cell disease, other hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency.

Background: Newborn screening for sickle cell disease, other hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency is one of the most important means of decreasing mortality and morbidity in high prevalence areas. Nine years experience in newborn screening in Qatif Central Hospital are summarized.

Patients And Methods: All newborns in Qatif Central Hospital had cord blood screening for sickle cell disease, other hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency using alkaline and electrophoresis, agar gel electrophoresis for sickle cell disease and fluorescent screening technique for G6PD deficiency.