Inherited Disorder of Hemoglobin: A Descriptive Study in Misan, Iraq, 2024

Background: Inherited hemoglobin disorders represent a critical health challenge worldwide, These disorders encompass a range of genetic conditions affecting the structure or production of hemoglobin. Aim of the study: to describe the Inherited Disorder of Hemoglobin patients at the hematological disease center in the Misan Governorate. Methods: A descriptive file-based survey on 589 patients with Inherited hemoglobin disorders attended the hematological disease center in the Misan Governorate in 2024. reviewed the patient files and gathered the necessary data. After filling out a unique form with information about the patient's features from their medical records and the patients or caregivers. Results: The study found that 54.8% of patients were male while 45.2% were female for thalassemia, Sickler, and spherocytosis patients. Most of the cases in age groups 10-19 years for all types of disease (thalassemia, Sickler, and spherocytosis) and fewer cases in the age group above 40 years, 52.5% of patients for all study sample lived in rural areas while 47.5% was lived in urban area. The most blood group of patients was O and the least was AB. The majority of cases were thalassemia (85%), sickle cell disease (13%), and 2% was spherocytosis.  The study result found that 65 patients (11%) were dead (64 of thalassemia, 1 of Sickler).
Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive overview of hemoglobin disorders in Misan, Iraq. The findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies, including genetic counseling, early diagnosis, and improved healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.