Pregnant women's Mediterranean anemia examination time
Release time : 05/08/2025 09:30:02
Nowadays, there's a push for eugenics and parental selection. Honestly, who wouldn't want to have a healthy baby? That's why it's important to undergo preconception and early pregnancy screenings.
Giant cell arteritis can vary in severity, and if mild, it can be managed through dietary and lifestyle modifications without the need for treatment.
However, in severe cases, to protect the child and family, it may be necessary to terminate the pregnancy.
Mediterranean Anemia Screening in Pregnant Women The screening for Mediterranean anemia typically occurs during the first prenatal visit. Before or during early pregnancy, genetic testing can be used to identify abnormalities in the α and β globin genes, preparing for prenatal diagnosis.
If the father-to-be has not undergone premarital examination or genetic screening for thalassemia and other conditions, he must also participate in the initial prenatal blood test.
For pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks, approximately 2-5g of umbilical cord tissue is collected. For those between 15 and 22 weeks, 15-20ml of amniotic fluid is aspirated through amniocentesis. Between 24 and 30 weeks, 0.5-1.5ml of fetal umbilical cord blood is taken for genetic testing to confirm the absence or mutation of α or β globin genes in the fetus, effectively preventing the birth of children with severe beta thalassemia or congenital abnormalities.
In screening for thalassemia, a blood test is conducted first. If there are abnormalities, then peptide chain testing and genetic analysis are performed.
It is best for pregnant women to undergo thorough examinations to ensure the birth of healthy babies.
During the examination for pregnant women with thalassemia major, the doctor may recommend blood tests to screen for the presence of thalassemia. These include hemoglobin levels, hematocrit ratios, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), to identify if the patient has thalassemia.
These are the checks that need to be conducted.
In addition, the following items are also included: I. Differential Diagnosis 1. Fetal Edema: This can also be observed in Rh or ABO blood group incompatibility, and the main differential diagnostic basis is the Hb Bart's electrophoretic band.
2. Iron-deficiency anemia: This condition is also characterized by microcytic hypochromic anemia, but serum iron levels are reduced, unlike thalassemia.
3. Other Hemoglobin Disorders: Target cells can also be observed in HbE and HbC disorders.
However, both exhibit electrophoretic abnormality bands that can be used for identification.
The clinical manifestations of δβ thalassemia, HbE-β thalassemia double heterozygotes and homozygous - β thalassemia are similar, but the symptoms are milder.
HbF in hereditary fetal Hb persistance syndrome is elevated, but the patient is not anemic.
4. Congenital Hemolytic Anemia: Conditions such as spherocytosis or enzyme deficiency in red blood cells can be distinguished through fetal hemoglobin determination and enzyme defect tests.
Acquired HbH disease, occurring in leukemias such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, iron-deficiency anemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but with significantly lower α/β peptide chain ratios compared to those seen in hereditary HbH disease, which range from 0.3 to 0.62.
6. Increased HbF and HbA2: In some cases of refractory anemias, acute leukemia, especially in children with "chronic myeloid leukemia," there is an increased HbH, and elevated levels of HbZürich and Tocoma are observed. Elevated levels of HbA2 should be noted for differentiation.
II. There is a family history. III. Laboratory examination: 1. The patient presents with microcytic hypochromic anemia, with unevenly distributed red blood cells, and target cells (ranging from 0% to 66%) are observed. Reticulocytes are increased.
2. Red Cell Osmotic Fragility Decreased.
3. Hemoglobin analysis reveals that the HbF content in both hemolytic and intermediate β-thalassemia patients is significantly elevated, with anti-haemoglobin being above 40%.
The HbA2 content in pediatric patients with light chain beta thalassemia is elevated.
HbH disease or Barts fetal edema syndrome patients, the HbH and HbBarts content were increased.
IV. X-ray examinations of infants and young children reveal increased width of the bone marrow cavity in the metaphysis, thinning of cortical bone, and later signs of thinning of the cerebral bones and the presence of radiolucent spiculations between cranial bones plates.
During prenatal screening for thalassemia in pregnant women, routine blood tests are generally used to detect the condition. If there is an abnormality, further tests such as hemoglobin electrophoresis and peptide chain testing, or analysis of the thalassemia gene, may be required to confirm the diagnosis. 1. Blood tests primarily look at the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCH) of the average red cells. Both types of thalassemia will show reduced MCV or MCH, but individuals with a carrier genotype may have normal values.
Heavy, intermediate and light forms of thalassemia can have a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb).
This only provides a risk assessment for thalassemia, and cannot serve as the diagnostic standard.
2. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test that can be used to diagnose abnormal hemoglobins, including severe and intermediate forms of thalassemia, for definitive diagnosis.
An increase in HbA2 is the most important diagnostic criterion for mild beta-thalassemia.
In iron deficiency anemia, HbA2 is often reduced, which can be used to differentiate from mild beta-thalassemia.
3. Peptide chain detection is primarily used in the clinical diagnosis of mild α-thalassemia.
Normally negative, positive for peptide chain can be diagnosed as mild α-thalassemia.
4. Genetic analysis can replace all the above tests, but due to the high requirements for equipment, laboratories, and technical personnel, it is difficult for most hospitals to conduct these tests, and the cost of testing is relatively high.
Analysis of results from each project is as follows: If both spouses are of the same type of thalassemia minor, close prenatal diagnosis is necessary.
If the results show normal or mild anemia, there is no significant impact on the fetus. You can proceed with childbirth.
If it's a heavy one, it's recommended to have an induced abortion as soon as possible to prevent harm to the pregnant woman's body and mind.
Pregnant women with thalassemia
To effectively prevent this disease, blood testing for peptide chain detection and genetic analysis is required.
The mental and economic burdens of severe thalassemia in children are unbearable.
Heavy α-thalassemia often results in fetal death or neonatal demise.
The impact of severe beta-thalassemia is even more significant. Babies with this condition usually exhibit symptoms within three to six months after birth, necessitating long-term blood transfusions and the administration of iron-removing medications. These treatments come at a high cost per month, often leading to premature death due to excessive iron loading from prolonged transfusions. The psychological and economic burdens resulting from these issues are far-reaching.
This test can prevent the birth of future individuals with thalassemia, while also reducing the financial and living burdens that such a child would impose on their family.
Therefore, this examination should be given due attention, as it is beneficial for both the individual and their family.
The cost of a pregnant woman's screening for thalassemia major during early pregnancy is determined by the specific circumstances of the local area or the hospital involved.
However, generally speaking, a hematology screening for thalassemia is conducted initially, with the cost being around 20-30 yuan.
If abnormalities are detected in routine blood tests, further examinations are required, such as a hemoglobin gene analysis. Hemoglobin gene testing generally costs between 250-300 yuan, and the total cost ranges from 500-1000 yuan.
Therefore, the cost of a地中海贫血 test can vary depending on the number of tests performed during the examination.
This is only a general guideline; the actual charges will vary depending on the region and the nature of the hospital. It's best to consult local hospitals for more accurate information.
Is it necessary for pregnant women to undergo screening for thalassemia? Due to some pregnant women's lack of understanding about thalassemia, they are in a state of confusion. They want to know more about the relevant information related to the screening for pregnant women with thalassemia.
We all know that thalassemia is a genetic disease, so this test is very necessary.
Screening for thalassemia in pregnant women is conducted through routine prenatal blood tests.
If the average red blood cell volume of pregnant women is less than 80, it may be a carrier of the thalassemia gene. At this time, their spouses need to undergo an examination of the average red blood cell volume. If the average red blood cell volume of the spouse is greater than 80, there is no concern about having a child with severe thalassemia.
If the spouse's average red blood cell volume is less than 80, both must be tested for confirmation diagnosis. If the spouses are carriers of the same type of thalassemia, further tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling must be performed to diagnose the fetus.
Moreover, as it is a genetic issue, malaria in pregnant women can have significant implications for the future of the child. Therefore, this examination aligns with the concept of selective breeding and is recommended for those who are pregnant.
The medical information provided in this text is for reference only.
In case of discomfort, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment should be based on the professional assessment during a face-to-face consultation.