The effect of genetic counseling and health care in reducing the incidence of major beta- thalassemia in Kerman County in 2017

Background and Aim: Beta-thalassemia is the most common hereditary disease in Iran. The prevention and control program of major beta-thalassemia is one of the most important preventive programs in the health system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic counseling, and routine health care among thalassemia carrier couples in reducing the incidence of major beta-thalassemia in Kerman County, in 2017.Methods: This was an outcome study. Data were collected by using the information recorded data in the follow up forms of thalassemia carrier couples covered by Kerman County Health Center, in 2017. In accordance with the country instruction, thalassemia carrier couples are follow up and provided health care during their years of fertility, by the health care team. These couples are first referred to selected genetic diagnostic laboratories to determine the type of gene mutation. Then, during the 10th to 14th weeks of pregnancy, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is done. If the embryo had major beta-thalassemia, the couples will be advised for abortion.Results: Until the end of the year 2017, 260 thalassemia carrier couples were registered in health center. 200 couples (76.9%) were sent to determine the type of gene mutation. 52 women were pregnant, in which 47 (90.3%) women performed CVS, 2 Couples (3.8%) did not cooperate to do CVS, and 3 fetuses (5.9%) were aborted for other causes before 10 weeks. After CVS, 7 fetuses (14.9%) were diagnosed with major beta- thalassemia and the rest were healthy or carriers (85.1). After counseling, all embryos with major beta- thalassemia were aborted.Conclusion: The results showed that genetic counseling, health care, and follow up of thalassemia carrier couples has been effective in reducing the incidence of thalassemia major. It is essential to inform carrier couples about pre-natal diagnosis and prevent the birth major beta- thalassemia cases.

Keywords:

counseling , health care , thalassemia , couples , incidence