Utility of hemoglobin electrophoresis to detect hemoglobinopathies in adults not presenting with hematological problems

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are genetically acquired diseases. When present in new-born and in children they need to be treated and can be life threatening many a times. In the adults they can be asymptomatic and can manifest as disease during stress. They may present with other signs and symptoms not related to hemoglobinopathies. Aim: To perform Hemoglobin (Hb) Electrophoresis to detect Hemoglobinopathies in patients not presenting with hematological problems coming to the Medical OPD at Gandhi Hospital. Materials and methods: 3 ml Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) whole blood was collected from cubital fossa from patients and Hb Electrophoresis was carried out on BIORAD - D10 Results: Hb Electrophoresis of a total of 464 patients were carried out over a period of six months (July to December 2015) and14 cases of Sickle Cell Trait, 16 cases of Thalassemia Trait, 1 case of Hb E trait , 1 case of sickle cell disease and 1 case of sickle cell disease with low Hb A2 levels were identified. Conclusion: Hemoglobinopathies can present themselves in the adults without symptoms related to red blood cell disorders. So when Patients present themselves with other symptoms and are not being relieved of their complaints by the conventional treatment, Hb Electrophoresis can help in identifying the hemoglobinopathies, especially when the Hb is normal or near normal for that age and sex of the patient.