The shortcut strategy for beta thalassemia prevention

We propose antenatal blood tests using high-resolution DNA melting (HRM) analysis for beta thalassemia mutation detection after hemoglobin A(2) estimation as a modified strategy for the identification of beta thalassemia at-risk couples. Antenatal blood samples of 1,115 couples were transferred from the antenatal care clinic. Hemoglobin A(2) was quantified, and proportions ≥3.5% were further assessed for beta thalassemia mutation using HRM analysis. Twelve types of beta thalassemia mutations, including hemoglobin E, were identified. There were 23 couples who were detected as at-risk. All at-risk couples were identified within 7 working days after sample receipt. Prenatal diagnosis revealed 6 affected fetuses. One fetus was homozygous CD17 (AT), and five fetuses exhibited beta(0) – thalassemia/hemoglobin E disease. These results were consistent with the outcomes calculated using the Hardy-Weinberg equation. Antenatal blood tests for mutation detection using high-resolution DNA melting analysis after hemoglobin A(2) estimation is a feasible laboratory method for the recruitment of couples with a fetus that is at risk for beta thalassemia. This modified strategy is cost-effective and may be beneficial for use in a beta thalassemia prevention program.