Affiliations 

  • 1 Division of Haematology, Departmentof Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, P.O. Box 12418, 50778 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malays J Pathol, 1994 Jun;16(1):23-7.
PMID: 16329572

Abstract

In Malaysia, alpha-thalassaemia, beta-thalassaemia, haemoglobin (Hb) E, deltabeta-thalassaemia and Hb Constant Spring are prevalent. It has been estimated that 1 in 4 persons carries one of the above genetic abnormalities. In clinical practice, the major problems are: Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis (homozygous alpha(o)thalassaemia), homozygous 3(o)-thalassaemia, E-alpha thalassaemia and HbH disease. The laboratory procedures for diagnosis are standardised and the molecular basis of most of these genetic abnormalities are characterised. Thus it is possible to formulate a strategy for the detection and prevention of these disorders. The steps include the setting-up of population screening and genetic counselling service for the affected individuals, Society of Thalassaemias for public education and group support, and prenatal diagnosis with selective abortion of affected pregnancies. We embarked on such a programme between 1988 and 1992 in Kuala Lumpur General Hospital and hope to kindle similar effort in other state hospitals.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.