HPLC in the characterization of hemoglobin profile in thalassemia syndrome in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Hemoglobinopathies, particularly thalassemia syndromes, are among the most common inherited disorders worldwide and pose a major health burden in India. Early and accurate differentiation between thalassemia major and minor is essential for effective screening and management. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hemoglobin variants and correlate red blood cell (RBC) indices with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) findings. Material and Methods: A total of 100 cases were analyzed using HPLC as the primary diagnostic modality. Demographic details and hematological parameters, including RBC indices, were assessed and correlated with hemoglobin variants. Results: Beta thalassemia minor was the most prevalent variant (87%), followed by sickle-beta thalassemia heterozygous (6%) and other rare hemoglobinopathies. The male-to-female ratio was 1.27:1. Beta thalassemia Major was observed exclusively in the 0–10 year age group, while beta thalassemia minor was most common in the 21–30 year age group. Distinct patterns in hemoglobin levels and Mean corpuscular volume values aided differentiation among variants. The findings were consistent with previous studies. Conclusion: HPLC combined with hematological parameters is a rapid, accurate, and reliable method for detecting and characterizing hemoglobinopathies, including compound heterozygous conditions, and is suitable for frontline screening.