Caracterização clínica, hematológica e molecular dos adultos com β talassemia no Ceará

Abstract

Background: Beta thalassemia is a group of disorders, each resulting from a genetic defect in the rate of synthesis of one or more globin chains of hemoglobin (Hb). The imbalance in the production of globin chains can result in ineffective erythropoiesis, insufficient production of hemoglobin, hemolysis and anemia of varying degree. Beta thalassemia is more common in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, reflecting the participation of these peoples in the formation of the Brazilian population. The predominant mutations in Brazil are the IVS-I-1, IVS-I-6, IVS-I-110 and CD 39, which are associated with different clinical conditions and are mostly regionally specific. Objective: To characterize the clinical, hematological and molecular adults with beta thalassemia of the University Hospital Cantídeo Walter and followed at a referral center for Hematology of the state of Ceará (Hemoce). Methods: We analyzed 22 individuals with beta thalassemia, 7 intermediate and 15 minor, in both sexes, from February 2008 to September 2009. Clinical data and laboratory tests: blood count, levels of Hb A2 and Hb F, serum iron, total capacity and latent iron binding (CTLFe, CLLFe), ferritin and transferrin saturation index (IST) were obtained from medical records, diagnosis. About 5 mL of venous blood was collected in tubes containing EDTA anticoagulant for molecular study. The analysis of mutations was performed using the technique of chain reaction mediated by allele specific polymerase (PCR-AE), where we analyzed the following mutations: IVS-I-1, IVS-I-6, IVS-I-110 and CD 39. Statistical analysis was carried out in software R (version 2.7.0) and the level of significance was 5%. Results: Of 22 patients studied, 15 were patients with β thalassemia minor and seven intermediate. The age ranged 18-68 years with a mean of 44.7 years. 18.2% male and 81.8% female. The mutations were characterized in 68.2% of cases, which had the most frequent IVS-I-6, followed by the codon 39. The mutation IVS-I-1 was found in one patient and IVS-I-110 was not found. There was no significant clinical differences between the hematological and biochemical parameters. There was a discrepancy between phenotype and genotype in some patients, but no significant difference between mutations and clinical manifestations. Conclusions: The results of this study reinforce the dominance of the mutation IVS-I-6 in northeastern Brazil. Are recommended further studies to investigate the co-inheritance with α-thalassemia in these patients to justify the discrepancy between genotypes and phenotypes.