Beta-thalassemia major births after National Screening Program in Taiwan

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2008 Jan;50(1):58-61. doi: 10.1002/pbc.21185.

Abstract

Objective: A National Thalassemia Screening Program was adopted in Taiwan in 1993. This report examined that program's results and impact.

Methods: Patients with beta-thalassemia major born between 1994 and 2003 were recruited through the help of all thalassemia clinics in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect the reasons for affected births.

Results: There were 97 affected births from 1994 to 2003.These births resulted after informed choice (n = 4), screening problems (n = 83), and undetermined causes (n = 10). Approximately 83% (5/6) of affected births in 2003 came from interracial marriages.

Conclusions: This report has identified several areas that might improve the thalassemia-screening program, including carrier screening in high school rather than in early pregnancy and the involvement of genetic counselors, providing care of new female immigrants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Genetic Counseling
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*
  • Racial Groups
  • Taiwan / epidemiology
  • beta-Thalassemia / diagnosis
  • beta-Thalassemia / epidemiology*