Original Article
English
Amina Mohamed Beayou, Idris Matoug
Department of Paediatrics, Haematology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Arab Medical University Benghazi, Libya
JMJ 2009,Vol.9, No.2: 122-125
Abstract
Objective: To determine the epidemiological pattern of haemoglobinopathies in Benghazi through the Children’s Hospital in Benghazi as well as geographical distribution of cases. Methods: The information was initially collected retrospectively through the haematology clinic records, and then refined from the patients during their visit in the last 5 months. Results: A total of 78 files of haemoglobinopathies, represented (18.1%) the total cases in the clinic. Sickle cell anaemia (74%), sickle cell trait ( 17 % ) haemoglobin C+S (6%), haemoglobin C trait (3%). Consanguinity in 61% of the families. Their age at evaluation ranged from 6 months to 26 years with a mean of 10.84+ 6.75. mean of haemoglobin 7.5+2. Male to female ratio 1:1.4. For each patient: the number of admissions ranged from 1-10 times with a mean of 2.6, and the frequency of blood transfusions ranged from 0-10 times. Complications: cholelithiasis (4.8%), stroke (hemiplegia) 6(9.5%), hepatitis B and C (9.5%), HIV (3.1%), hypersplenism (6.3%), acute chest syndrome (6.3%). One patient died from overwhelming sepsis (post splenectomy). Conclusion: Almost all the cases were originally from the southern areas, dark skinned, poor school performance. Symptomatic cases were registered, with a high non-compliance, and higher percentage of consanguinity. A national programme for the control of the disease by reducing carrier marriage is needed.
Keywords: haemoglobinopathies, Sickle cell anaemia, Epidemiology, Benghazi.
Link/DOI: http://www.jmj.org.ly/PDF/summer2009/122.pdf