Spectrum of β-thalassemia mutations in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

Hemoglobin. 2011;35(2):125-34. doi: 10.3109/03630269.2011.553567.

Abstract

β-Thalassemias comprise a group of heterogeneous hemoglobin (Hb) disorders characterized by the absence or reduced synthesis of the β-globin chain with a variable clinical presentation. The Al-Qatif and Al-Ahsa oases in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia are regions known for the high prevalence of these disorders. This study was conducted to provide a more precise picture of the β-thalassemia (β-thal) mutations prevalent in these regions and to estimate their frequencies. One hundred and 96 subjects with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (β-thal) disease were included in this study. A total of 14 β-thal mutations were identified with five mutations accounting for more than 80% of the total β-thal mutations identified. Of the 196 patients, 164 were homozygous for a β-thal mutation, while 32 were compound heterozygotes. We report here the novel identification of two mutations, namely, the Tunisian splice site IVS-I-130 (G→C) and the Mediterranean cryptic splice site IVS-I-110 (G→A), which have not been previously reported in the population of the Eastern Province. However, 15 patients (46.9%) with compound heterozygosities carried one of the β-thal mutations and the sickle cell mutation [Hb S or β6(A3)Glu→Val]. These patients were less frequently transfused than the patients who were homozygous for the β-thal mutations and presented with fewer complications. A more comprehensive overview of the genetic heterogeneity of the β-thal mutations in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is presented in this article. This study will contribute to the establishment of an effective prevention program, including premarital screening.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alleles
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Hemoglobin, Sickle / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Saudi Arabia
  • beta-Thalassemia / genetics*

Substances

  • Hemoglobin, Sickle