Newborn Screening for Hb H Disease by Determination of Hb Bart’s Using the Sebia Capillary Electrophoresis System in Southern China

Abstract

Hb H (β4) disease is an inherited hemoglobin (Hb) defect in which three of the four α-globin genes are deleted or dysfunctional. The clinical manifestations vary widely from mild asymptomatic anemia to a severely anemic state. Recent literature suggests that Hb H disease is not as benign a disorder as previously thought. Newborn screening for Hb H disease is especially appealing because the screening test is based on the detection of Hb Bart’s (γ4) that is only possible within the newborn period. In a 2-year period of newborn screening, 18 babies were found to have Hb H disease in a total of 9490 newborns. The overall prevalence for Hb H disease among all newborns in southern China is approximately 1 in 500. The correct diagnosis would allow affected infants to be properly cared for and reduce mortality rate.

• α-Thalassemia (α-thal)
• capillary electrophoresis
• Hb Bart’s
• Hb H disease
• newborn screening