Abnormal haemoglobin variants, ABO and rhesus blood group distribution among pregnant women in a secondary health centre in Ibadan, South West Nigeria

Authors

  • Dr. Olubukola A. Adesina

Abstract

Background: The distribution of the ABO and Rh and abnormal haemoglobin variants will determine the blood type and stock levels in hospital blood banks. This study determined the prevalence of haemoglobin variants, ABO and RhD blood group distribution among pregnant women at a secondary level hospital in Nigeria.

Methodology - This was a cross sectional study of healthy pregnant women attending Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The record of every woman presenting for their first antenatal clinic visit over a 4-month period was reviewed. This included the results of haemoglobin electrophoresis and blood group.

Results - Thirty four records were excluded because of incomplete data. The results for 2664 women are presented. The majority (70.1%) had normal haemoglobin (Hb AA), 29.5% were heterozygous for A (AS, AC) while 0.4% had abnormal Hb variants (SS, CC, SC). Rhesus D positive rate was 93.6%. Almost half (48.1%) were of blood group O, blood groups A and B were 23.5% vs. 24.9% respectively. The least blood group was AB. The ABO gene frequencies among these pregnant women were O>B>A>AB. The phenotype frequencies with respect to ABO and Rhesus system were: O+ > B+ > A+ >O - > AB+ > A-> B- > ABConclusion - The blood group distribution is such that availability of blood for transfusion will not be a challenge. Haemoglobin variants in this population are not uncommon. Genetic counselling for prospective couples, carrier screening and mutation identification are important for reducing the sickling gene pool.

Keywords: Haemoglobin variants; RhD blood group; electrophoresis, pregnant women

Résumé
Contexte: - La distribution de l’ABO et du Rh et des variantes anormales d’hémoglobine déterminera le
type de sang et le taux de stock dans les banques de sang de l’hôpital. Cette étude a déterminé la prévalence des
variantes de l’hémoglobine, la distribution du groupe sanguin ABO et RhD chez les femmes enceintes d’un hôpital de niveau
secondaire au Nigeria.
Méthodologie -Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale portant sur des femmes enceintes saines qui fréquentaient la Maternité de
l’Hôpital Adeoyo, Ibadan, Nigeria. Le registre de chaque femme qui présentait pour sa première visite à la clinique prénatale
sur une période de 4 mois a été examiné. Cela comprenait les résultats de l’électrophorèse de l’hémoglobine et du groupe
sanguin.

Résultats - Trente-quatre enregistrements ont été exclus en raison de données incomplètes. Les résultats pour 2664 femmes sont présentés. La majorité (70,1%) avaient une hémoglobine normale (Hb AA), 29,5% étaient hétérozygotes pour A (AS, AC), tandis que 0,4% avaient des variantes Hb anormales (SS, CC, SC). Le taux de positivité de Rhésus était de 93,6%. Près de la moitié (48,1%) étaient du groupe sanguin O, les groupes sanguins A et B étaient de 23,5% contre 24,9% respectivement. Le groupe sanguin le moins élevé était AB. La fréquence des gènes ABO parmi ces femmes enceintes est: O> B> A> AB. Les fréquences phénotypiques par rapport au système ABO et Rhesus sont: O+ > B+ > A+ >O -> AB+ > A-> B-> ABConclusion - La distribution du groupe sanguin est telle que la disponibilité du sang pour la transfusion ne constituera pas un défi. Les variantes de l’hémoglobine dans cette population ne sont pas inusuelles. Le conseil génétique pour les couples potentiels, le dépistage des porteurs et l’identification des mutations sont importants pour réduire le pool de gènes maladif.

Mots-clés: Variantes d’hémoglobine; Groupe sanguin RhD

Correspondence: Dr. Olubukola A. Adesina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. #-mail: bukiadewole@gmail.com

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Published

2020-09-02

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