α-Thalassemia 2, 3.7 kb deletion and hemoglobin AC heterozygosity in pregnancy:: a molecular and hematological analysis

alpha-Thalassemia is a synthesis hemoglobinopathy with a worldwide distribution. alpha-thalassemia-2(3.7kb) (alpha-Thal2(3.7kb)) was investigated by PCR and standard hematologic analysis techniques in 106 pregnant women-53 heterozygous for hemoglobin (Hb) A and C (AC) and 53 homozygous for the normal Hb A (AA) with similar ages and race ancestry. Eleven (21%) of AC women were alpha-Thal2(3.7kb) heterozygous and 1 (2%) was homozygous, while 12 AA women (23%) were heterozygous. In the AA group, the MCV differed among those with normal alpha genes and those with alpha -Thal2(3.7kb) (P = 0.031). Statistical analysis of AC group patients with normal alpha genes and alpha-Thal2(3.7kb) carriers showed differences in MCV (P = 0.001); MCH (P = 0.003) and Hb C concentrations (P = 0.011). Analysis of AA and AC group patients with normal alpha genes showed differences in RBC (P = 0.033), Hb concentration (P = 0.003) and MCHC (P < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences for any hematologic parameters between AC and AA group patients with the α-Thal2(3.7kb) genotype. The AC α-Thal2(3.7kb) homozygous women had low hematologic parameters. Serum ferritin levels were normal among the groups studied. These results emphasize the importance of diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hemoglobinopathy carriers during pregnancy in order to administer adequate therapy and avoid further complications for mothers and newborns.