Anemia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Anemia, including details on symptoms, diagnosis, diet, treatment, causes.

Neonatal screening for sickle cell disorders in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: a pilot study.

Kafando E, Sawadogo M, Cotton F, Vertongen F, Gulbis B

Laboratory of Haematology and Clinical Chemistry, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of sickle cell disorders (SCDs) and the feasibility of a neonatal screening programme in Ouagadougou. METHODS: During 2000, 2003 and 2004, 2341 cord blood samples obtained in five maternity hospitals in Ouagadougou were screened for SCDs using an isoelectric focusing technique. The feasibility of a neonatal screening programme was evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of SCD was 1:57; 14 neonates were homozygous for haemoglobin (Hb)S and 27 were compound heterozygotes for HbSC. Thirty-two neonates were homozygous for HbC. The incidence of the HbC trait was 1:6; incidence of the HbS trait was 1:14. A centralized laboratory for neonatal screening of SCDs was established. CONCLUSIONS: SCDs should be considered a major public health problem in Ouagadougou. A neonatal screening programme should be implemented, but to be effective it requires strategies adapted to the local situation.

Published 13 September 2005 in J Med Screen, 12(3): 112-4.
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