Beta-Thalassemia Major Births after National Screening Program in Taiwan
Resource
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER v.50 n.1 pp.58-61
Journal
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
Journal Volume
v.50
Journal Issue
n.1
Pages
58-61
Date Issued
2008
Date
2008
Author(s)
CHERN, JIMMY PENG-SHENG
LIN, KAI-HSIN
LU, MENG-YAO
LIN, DONG-TSAMN
JOU, SHIANN-TARNG
YANG, YOUN-LI
CHANG, HSIU-HAO
SU, SYI
LIN, KUO-SIN
Abstract
Objective. A National Thalassemia Screening Program was adopted in Taiwan in 1993. This report examined that program 's results and impact. Methods . Patients with beta- thalassemia major born between 1994 and 2003 were recruited through the help of all thalassemia clinics in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect the reasons for affected births. Results. There were 97 affected births from 1994 to 2003. These births resulted after informed choice (n = 4), screening problems (n = 83) , and undetermined causes (n = 10). Approximately 83% (5/6) of affected births in 2003 came from interracial marriages. Conclusions. This report has identified several areas that might improve the thalassemia-screening program, including carrier screening in high school rather than in early pregnancy and the involvement of genetic counselors, providing care of new female immigrants.
Subjects
beta-thalassemia major
health education
interracial marriage
screening
Type
journal article