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NCT Number: NCT07180836

Prevalence and Hematological Characteristics of Hemoglobinopathies

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and hematological characteristics of hemoglobinopathies in Mardan and surrounding districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted at Mardan Medical Complex from January 2021 to January 2023. Blood samples were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) on the Bio-Rad D-10 analyzer, with complete blood counts performed using Sysmex XN1000. A total of 839 participants were enrolled in this study. The study highlights differences in hematological parameters across hemoglobinopathy types and provides region-specific data to inform public health interventions and screening programs.

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Key information

Conditions

Hemoglobinopathies Anemia Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Anemia, Sickle Cell Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Genetic Diseases, Inborn Hematologic Diseases Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases Thalassemia

Age range

1 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Mardan Medical Comlex, Mardan

Mardan, KPK, 23200, Pakistan

About this study

Hemoglobinopathies are among the most common inherited disorders worldwide, caused by mutations in globin genes affecting hemoglobin synthesis, structure, and function. They are highly prevalent in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan, where beta-thalassemia is the most frequent single-gene disorder. Despite this, there is limited epidemiological data from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), especially in Mardan, where consanguineous marriages are common and contribute to disease burden.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a two-year period (January 2021 to January 2023) at the hematology department of Mardan Medical Complex, Pakistan. All patients referred for hemoglobinopathy testing were included. Blood samples (3 mL EDTA) were collected and analyzed for complete blood counts (hemoglobin, RBC count, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC) using Sysmex XN1000, and hemoglobin variants were identified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (Bio-Rad D-10 analyzer). A sickling test was performed in cases with abnormal S-window chromatogram findings.

A total of 839 participants were analyzed. Geographic distribution was showed for patients from different nearby regions .

This study provides the first comprehensive regional overview of hemoglobinopathies in Mardan, KPK. The findings of our study will emphasize the need for early detection, genetic counseling, and preventive public health strategies, particularly in communities with high rates of consanguinity. These results might support the development of targeted screening and awareness programs to reduce the burden of hemoglobinopathies in Pakistan.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • All patients referred to the Hematology Department of Mardan Medical Complex for hemoglobinopathy testing between Jan 2021 - Jan 2023.
  • Patients of either sex.
  • Patients who underwent high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and complete blood count (CBC) analysis.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with incomplete or missing laboratory data (CBC or HPLC).
  • Patients in whom hemoglobinopathy diagnosis could not be confirmed.
  • Cases of anemia due to non-hemoglobinopathy causes (e.g., nutritional anemia, chronic disease).

Treatment and study plan

No intervention (observational study)

Other

This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Patients with suspected or confirmed hemoglobinopathies were evaluated for prevalence and hematological characteristics using laboratory investigations, without any experimental treatment or therapeutic intervention applied.

Primary outcomes

  1. Prevalence of Hemoglobinopathies.

    Time frame: At the time of diagnosis / Single assessment at enrollment

    Number of patients diagnosed with each hemoglobinopathy type (e.g., β-thalassemia trait, sickle cell disease, HbE).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Demographic Distribution of Hemoglobinopathies by Age, Gender, and Geographic Area

    Time frame: At the time of diagnosis / Single assessment at enrollment

    The study analyzes the demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with hemoglobinopathies, including distribution by age groups, gender, and geographic location (Mardan and surrounding districts). This outcome helps to identify patterns of disease occurrence and risk groups within the population. Data are derived from patient records and laboratory-confirmed cases.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bacha Khan Medical College

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Prevalence and Hematological Characteristics of Hemoglobinopathies: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Tertiary Care Hospital

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Sep 18, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 18, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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