INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANATOMY PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

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Authors: Sonone KK, Abhichandani LG, Sawale VM

Sickle cell disease is a congenital genetic disorder with significant global public health issue with numerous Complications. Newborn screening helps to diagnose the disease even before the development of sign and symptoms which usually don’t occur before 4 months of age. This would enable early detection and therefore early management that can improve both morbidity and mortality. Objectives: 1. To screen for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait in full term newborns delivered in J.J Hospital over a period of two months. 2. To find the birth prevalence of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait among those full term newborns screened. Settings and Design: This is a prospective, randomised, single centric, non-interventional, open labelled study. Methods and Material: Umbilical cord blood (100 samples) of the newborn was taken. Automated HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography - BIORAD VARIANTTM) was performed. Results: We found that, birth prevalence of sickle cell trait was two out of hundred births ie; 2% among the total population and 8% among backward and tribal communities of our society. Conclusions: 8%( present study)sickle cell trait prevalence among backward and tribal communities should be taken into consideration for recommending a universal neonatal screening programme in high prevalent areas of India to identify babies with sickle cell disease and commence comprehensive care.