Hemoglobinopathies in the United Arab Emirates.

The use of modern DNA techniques enabled us to characterize and identify 44 distinct beta-thal mutations and nine alpha-thal genotypes in the UAE population. All of the beta-thal mutations were severe beta+ or beta0 types resulting in transfusion-dependent phenotypes. Furthermore, a large number of alphaT alleles in the alpha-thal carriers and in patients with Hb H disease, accentuate the importance of Hb H disease as a public health problem. The overall data presented here will be useful for genetic counseling, pre-marital carrier screening and the establishment of a comprehensive prenatal diagnosis program.