Role of premarital screening program in detection of hemoglobinopathies at Al Baha, Saudi Arabia

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are prevalent in Saudi Arabia. The use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for screening of these disorders has recently been undertaken. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and evaluate the role of premarital screening centers among residents of Al Baha province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized the laboratory reports of couples attending the premarital screening centers for the screening and confirmation of hemoglobinopathies in Al Baha province, Saudi Arabia. We obtained data from four hospitals and three primary healthcare centers authorized to perform these screening tests. Results: The current study screened and analyzed a total of 2,165 reports for suspected hemoglobinopathies. Only 121 (5.6%) reports showed abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) patterns, among which the sickle cell trait was the most common, representing 59.5% (72/121) of the reported cases. This was followed by the β-thalassemia trait, Hb Lepore, sickle cell disease, and β-thalassemia major, accounting for 32.2% (39/121), 3.3% (4/121), 2.5% (3/121), and 2.5% (3/121), respectively. Conclusion: Sickle cell and β-thalassemia traits are the major hemoglobinopathies in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. Premarital screening is an invaluable measure to prevent childbirth with severe Hb disorders. The use of HPLC in the screening process provides a rapid, reliable procedure for the identification of various Hb fractions.