[Prevalence of heterozygosity for beta-thalassemia among intermediate lower school children in an area of the Venetian lacuna]. / Prevalenza dell'eterozigosi per la beta-talassemia fra gli studenti delle scuole medie inferiori in un'area della laguna veneta.

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the results of an epidemiologic survey carried out from 1987 to 1991 among intermediate school students in Chioggia (Venice, Italy) to detect beta-Thalassemia carriers. The screening tests (determination of Mean Corpuscular Volume, Hemoglobin A2) were performed in 3050/4055 (75%) students; the prevalence of carriers was of 3.1%. The results obtained identify this as a risk area for Thalassemia Major and suggest the necessity to adopt prevention measures such as medical information, population screening, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.