Prevalência de hemoglobinopatias entre adolescentes do sexo masculino em Salvador – BA

Prevalence of hemoglobinopathies among adolescent males in Salvador, State of Bahia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies among adolescents, as this population has not undergone
standard neonatal screening for hemoglobinopathies, which was implemented in Brazil by the Ministry of Health in 2001.
Methods: The sample consisted of 1,011 males between 18 and 19 years old enrolling at the Army Conscription Center,
with hematological data obtained through hemograms and hemoglobin profi les drawn up by high-performance liquid
chromatography. Results: 82 (8.1%) of these young men were carriers of hemoglobin variants, mainly hemoglobins S and
C in heterozygosis. None of them were aware of this genetic characteristic. Conclusion: We believe that the high prevalence
of hemoglobinopathies in this population indicates the need for diagnostic tracking and genetic counseling, with the
adolescent population constituting a target public for a counseling program.