10-year analysis of the strategic plan for prevention and control of thalassemia in Prapokklao Hospital

Abstract

Objective : To analyze the results of the prevention and control of thalassemia project of Prapokklao Hospital.

Methode : The strategic plan for prevention and control of thalassemia in Prapokklao
Hospital started on 1998 but the appropriate record was first recorded on 2002. From March 2002 to January 2012, all the couples at risk for
homozygous β–thalassemia , β–thalassemia/ Hb E and hydrops fetalis were counseled for cordocentesis as a prenatal diagnosis. The results of
cordocentesis were interpreted and let the couples to make the decision for termination of pregnancy.

Results : Two hundred and twelve couples at risk were enrolled. There were 62.28% at risk for β–thalassemia and 28.07% at risk for –thalassemia. Two hundred and twelve cordocentesis were done. There were 3 cases that need the second operation. There was 9.65% of unnecessary cordocentesis because of error of interpretation. There were 24 cases of major thalassemic disease. Of these cases, 4 cases continued pregnancy, 7 cases had not data to follow. Termination of pregnancies done in 13 cases of the left, showed 8 cases of β–thalassemia/ Hb E and 5 cases of hydrops fetalis.

Coclusion : The prevention and control of thalassemia strategy still continues for decreasing the number of new thalassemic patients . Data collection and
interpretation should be improved for decreasing of unnecessary cordocentesis.