ORCID Profile
0000-0003-4438-0888
Current Organisations
Shoklo Malaria Research Unit
,
University of Oxford
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Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 28-06-2021
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.16599.2
Abstract: Background: Short emergency obstetric care (EmOC) courses have demonstrated improved provider confidence, knowledge and skills but impact on indicators such as maternal mortality and stillbirth is less substantial. This manuscript evaluates Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) and Basic Life Support (BLSO) as an adult education tool, in a protracted, post-conflict and resource-limited setting. Methods: A mixed methods evaluation was used. Basic characteristics of ALSO and BLSO participants and their course results were summarized. Kirkpatrick’s framework for assessment of education effectiveness included: qualitative data on participants’ reactions to training (level 1) and quantitative health indicator data on change in the availability and quality of EmOC and in maternal and/or neonatal health outcomes (level 4), by evaluation of the post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) related maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and stillbirth rate in the eight years prior and following implementation of ALSO and BLSO. Results: 561 Thailand-Myanmar border health workers participated in ALSO (n=355) and BLSO (n=206) courses 2008-2020. Pass rates on skills exceeded 90% for both courses while 50% passed the written ALSO test. Perceived confidence significantly improved for all items assessed. In the eight-year block preceding the implementation of ALSO and BLSO (2000-07) the PPH related MMR per 100,000 live births was 57.0 (95%CI 30.06-108.3)(9/15797) compared to 25.4 (95%CI 11.6-55.4)(6/23620) eight years following (2009-16), p=0.109. After adjustment, PPH related maternal mortality was associated with birth before ALSO/BLSO implementation aOR 3.825 (95%CI 1.1233-11.870), migrant (not refugee) status aOR 3.814 (95%CI 1.241-11.718) and attending ≤four antenatal consultations aOR 3.648 (95%CI 1.189-11.191). Stillbirth rate per 1,000 total births was 18.2 (95%CI 16.2-20.4)(291/16016) before the courses, and 11.1 (95%CI 9.8-12.5)(264/23884) after, p=0.038. Birth before ALSO/ BLSO implementation was associated with stillbirth aoR 1.235 (95%CI 1.018-1.500). Conclusions: This evaluation suggests ALSO and BLSO are sustainable, beneficial, EmOC trainings for adult education in protracted, post-conflict, resource-limited settings.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 05-05-2021
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.16599.1
Abstract: Background: Short emergency obstetric care (EmOC) courses have demonstrated improved provider confidence, knowledge and skills but impact on indicators such as maternal mortality and stillbirth is less substantial. This manuscript evaluates Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) and Basic Life Support (BLSO) as an adult education tool, in a protracted, post-conflict and resource-limited setting. Methods: A mixed methods evaluation was used. Basic characteristics of ALSO and BLSO participants and their course results were summarized. Kirkpatrick’s framework for assessment of education effectiveness included: qualitative data on participants’ reactions to training (level 1) and quantitative health indicator data on change in the availability and quality of EmOC and in maternal and/or neonatal health outcomes (level 4), by evaluation of the post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) related maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and stillbirth rate in the eight years prior and following implementation of ALSO and BLSO. Results: 561 Thailand-Myanmar border health workers participated in ALSO (n=355) and BLSO (n=206) courses 2008-2020. Pass rates on skills exceeded 90% for both courses while 50% passed the written ALSO test. Perceived confidence significantly improved for all items assessed. In the eight-year block preceding the implementation of ALSO and BLSO (2000-07) the PPH related MMR per 100,000 live births was 57.0 (95%CI 30.06-108.3)(9/15797) compared to 25.4 (95%CI 11.6-55.4)(6/23620) eight years following (2009-16), p=0.109. After adjustment, PPH related maternal mortality was associated with birth before ALSO/BLSO implementation aOR 3.825 (95%CI 1.1233-11.870), migrant (not refugee) status aOR 3.814 (95%CI 1.241-11.718) and attending ≤four antenatal consultations aOR 3.648 (95%CI 1.189-11.191). Stillbirth rate per 1,000 total births was 18.2 (95%CI 16.2-20.4)(291/16016) before the courses, and 11.1 (95%CI 9.8-12.5)(264/23884) after, p=0.038. Birth before ALSO/ BLSO implementation was associated with stillbirth aoR 1.235 (95%CI 1.018-1.500). Conclusions: This evaluation suggests ALSO and BLSO are sustainable, beneficial, EmOC trainings for adult education in protracted, post-conflict, resource-limited settings.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PNTD.0009219
Abstract: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. While many STH infections are asymptomatic, vulnerable populations such as pregnant women face repercussions such as aggravation of maternal anaemia. However, data on prevalence and the effect of STH infections in pregnancy are limited. The aim of this analysis was to describe the burden of STH infections within and between populations of pregnant women from a local refugee c to a mobile migrant population, and to explore possible associations between STH infection and pregnancy outcomes. This is a retrospective review of records from pregnant refugee and migrant women who attended Shoklo Malaria Research Unit antenatal care (ANC) clinics along the Thailand-Myanmar border between July 2013 and December 2017. Inclusion was based on provision of a stool s le during routine antenatal screening. A semi-quantitative formalin concentration method was employed for examination of faecal s les. The associations between STH mono-infections and maternal anaemia and pregnancy outcomes (i.e., miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and small for gestational age) were estimated using regression analysis. Overall, 12,742 pregnant women were included, of whom 2,702 (21.2%) had a confirmed infection with either Ascaris lumbricoides , hookworm, Trichuris trichiura , or a combination of these. The occurrence of STH infections in the refugee population (30.8% 1,246/4,041) was higher than in the migrant population (16.7% 1,456/8,701). A . lumbricoides was the predominant STH species in refugees and hookworm in migrants. A . lumbricoides and hookworm infection were associated with maternal anaemia at the first ANC consultation with adjusted odds ratios of 1.37 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.72) and 1.65 (95% CI 1.19–2.24), respectively. Pregnant women with A . lumbricoides infection were less likely to miscarry when compared to women with negative stool s les (adjusted hazard ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.48–0.84). STH infections were not significantly associated with stillbirth, preterm birth or being born too small for gestational age. One in five pregnant women in this cohort had STH infection. Association of STH infection with maternal anaemia, in particular in the event of late ANC enrolment, underlines the importance of early detection and treatment of STH infection. A potential protective effect of A . lumbricoides infection on miscarriage needs confirmation in prospective studies.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 19-07-2018
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.10352.2
Abstract: Background : Countries vary on the demarcation gestational age that distinguishes miscarriage and extreme preterm birth (PTB). This study provides a synopsis of the outcome of pregnancy between 22 to weeks’ gestation from a low resource setting. Methods : A retrospective record review of a refugee and migrant population on the Thailand-Myanmar border with outcome between 22 to weeks’ gestation, was conducted. Outcomes were classified as miscarriage: non-viability prior to 22 week’s gestation with expulsion of products between 22 to 28 weeks’ gestation or extreme PTB when the fetus was viable at ≥22 weeks and delivered between 22 to 28 weeks’ gestation. Termination of pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease were excluded. Results : From 1995-2015, outcomes occurred between 22 to weeks’ gestation in 0.9% (472/49,931) of pregnancies and 3.8% (18/472) met the exclusion criteria. Most included pregnancies (n=454) had ultrasound done 72.5% (n=329). Overall 43.6% (n=197) were miscarriage and 56.4% (n=257) extreme PTB. Miscarriage (late expulsion) between 22 to weeks was observed with non-viability occurring at an estimated median gestation of 16 weeks. For cases with available data (n=252, 5 missing) the proportion of stillborn was 47.6% (n=120), liveborn 52.4% (n=132) and congenital abnormality 10.5% (24/228, 29 missing). Neonatal death was high 98.5% (128/131, 1 missing). Introduction of ultrasound was associated with a 2-times higher odds of classification of outcome as birth rather than miscarriage. Conclusion : In this low resource setting % of pregnancy outcomes occur in the 22 to weeks’ gestation window nearly half were miscarriage and neonatal mortality approached 100%. In the scale-up to preventable newborns deaths, at least initially, greater benefits will be obtained by focusing on the greater number of viable newborns with a gestation of 28 weeks or more.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 06-12-2018
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.10352.3
Abstract: Background : No universal demarcation of gestational age distinguishes miscarriage and stillbirth or extreme preterm birth (exPTB). This study provides a synopsis of outcome between 22 to weeks gestation from a low resource setting. Methods : A retrospective record review of a population on the Thailand-Myanmar border was conducted. Outcomes were classified as miscarriage, late expulsion of products between 22 to 28 weeks gestation with evidence of non-viability (mostly ultrasound absent fetal heart beat) prior to 22 weeks or exPTB (stillbirth/live born) between 22 to 28 weeks gestation when the fetus was viable at ≥22 weeks. Termination of pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease were excluded. Results : From 1995-2015, 80.9% (50,046/ 61,829) of registered women had a known pregnancy outcome, of whom 99.8% (49,931) had a known gestational age. Delivery between 22 to weeks gestation included 0.9% (472/49,931) of pregnancies after removing 18 cases (3.8%) who met an exclusion criteria. Most pregnancies had an ultrasound: 72.5% (n=329/454) 43.6% (n=197) were classified as miscarriage and 56.4% (n=257) exPTB. In idual record review of miscarriages estimated that fetal death had occurred at a median of 16 weeks, despite late expulsion between 22 to weeks. With available data (n=252, 5 missing) the proportion of stillbirth was 47.6% (n=120), congenital abnormality 10.5% (24/228, 29 missing) and neonatal death was 98.5% (128/131, 1 missing). Introduction of ultrasound was associated with a 2-times higher odds of classification of outcome as exPTB rather than miscarriage. Conclusion : In this low resource setting few ( %) pregnancy outcomes occurred in the 22 to weeks gestational window four in ten were miscarriage (late expulsion) and neonatal mortality approached 100%. In the scale-up to preventable newborns deaths (at least initially) greater benefits will be obtained by focusing on the viable newborns of ≥ 28 weeks gestation.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 23-12-2016
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.10352.1
Abstract: Background: The WHO definition of stillbirth uses 28 weeks’ gestation as the cut-point, but also defines extreme preterm birth as 24 to weeks’ gestation. This presents a problem with the gestational limit of miscarriage, and hence reporting of stillbirth, preterm birth and neonatal death. The objective of this study is to provide a synopsis of the outcome of a population cohort of pregnancies on the Thailand-Myanmar border between 24 to weeks’ gestation. Methods: Records from the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit Antenatal Clinics were reviewed for pregnancy outcomes in the gestational window of 24 to weeks, and each record, including ultrasounds reports, were reviewed to clarify the pregnancy outcome. Pregnancies where there was evidence of fetal demise prior to 24 weeks were classified as miscarriage those viable at 24 weeks’ gestation and born before 28 weeks were coded as births, and further sub ided into live- and stillbirth. Results: Between 1995 and 2015, in a cohort of 49,931 women, 0.6% (318) of outcomes occurred from 24 to weeks’ gestation, and 35.8% (114) were miscarriages, with confirmatory ultrasound of fetal demise in 45.4% (49/108). Of pregnancies not ending in miscarriage, 37.7% (77/204) were stillborn and of those born alive, neonatal mortality was 98.3% (115/117). One infant survived past the first year of life. Congenital abnormality rate was 12.0% (23/191). Ultrasound was associated with a greater proportion of pregnancy outcome being coded as birth. Conclusion: In this limited-resource setting, pregnancy outcome from 24 to weeks’ gestation included: 0.6% of all outcomes, of which one-third were miscarriages, one-third of births were stillborn and mortality of livebirths approached 100%. In the scale-up to preventable newborns deaths, at least initially, greater benefits will be obtained by focusing on the greater number of viable newborns with a gestation of 28 weeks or more.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 21-05-2018
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.14613.1
Abstract: Background: Currently there are more adolescents (10-19 years old) and young adults (20-24 years old) than ever. Reproductive health among this age group is often overlooked, although it can have a profound impact on the future. This is especially the case in conflict zones and refugee settings, where there is a heightened need for reproductive health care, and where both the resources and possibility for data collation are usually limited. Methods: Here we report on pregnancies, birth outcomes and risk factors for repeat pregnancies among adolescent and young adult refugees and migrants from antenatal clinics on the Thailand-Myanmar border across a 30 year time span. Results: Pregnancy and fertility rates were persistently high. Compared with 20-24-year-olds, 15-19-year-olds who reported being unable to read had 2.35 (CI: 1.97 – 2.81) times the odds for repeat pregnancy (gravidity ). In primigravidae, the proportion of small for gestational age (SGA) and preterm births (PTB), and neonatal deaths (NND) decreased with increasing maternal age (all p .001). After adjustment, this association retained significance for PTB (cut-off point, ≤18 years) but not for SGA and NND. Conclusions: There is considerable room for improvement in adolescent pregnancy rates in these border populations, and educational opportunities may play a key role in effective interventions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2019
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 24-08-2017
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.12338.1
Abstract: Background: Inherited red blood cell disorders are prevalent in populations living in malaria endemic areas G6PD deficiency is associated with oxidant-induced hemolysis and abnormal hemoglobin variants may cause chronic anemia. In pregnant women, microcytic anemia caused by hemoglobinopathies mimics iron deficiency, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Anemia during pregnancy is associated with morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence of G6PD deficiency, hemoglobinopathies, ABO and Rhesus blood groups among the pregnant population living along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in this area belong to several distinct ethnic groups. Methods: Data was available for 13,520 women attending antenatal care between July 2012 and September 2016. Screening for G6PD deficiency was done by fluorescent spot test routinely. G6PD genotyping and quantitative phenotyping by spectrophotometry were analyzed in a subs le of women. Hemoglobin variants were diagnosed by HPLC or capillary electrophoresis and molecular methods. Blood groups were diagnosed by agglutination test. The prevalence and distribution of inherited red blood cell disorders and blood groups was analyzed with respect to ethnicity. Results: G6PD deficiency was common, especially in the Sgaw Karen ethnic group, in whom the G6PD Mahidol variant allele frequency was 20.7%. Quantitative G6PD phenotyping showed that 60.5% of heterozygote women have an intermediate enzymatic activity between 30% and 70% of the population median. HbE, beta-thalassemia trait and alpha-thalassemia trait were found in 31.2% of women. Only 0.15% of women were Rhesus negative. Conclusions: Distribution of G6PD and hemoglobin variants varied among the different ethnic groups, but the prevalence was generally high throughout the cohort. These findings encourage the implementation of an extended program of information and genetic counseling to women of reproductive age and will help inform future studies and current clinical management of anemia in the pregnant population in this region.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2017
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 18-05-2023
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.19396.1
Abstract: Background: Prematurity is the highest risk for under-five mortality globally. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of antenatal dexamethasone on neonatal mortality in early preterm in a resource-constrained setting without assisted ventilation. Methods: This retrospective (2008-2013) cohort study in clinics for refugees/migrants on the Thai-Myanmar border included infants born weeks gestation at home, in, or on the way to the clinic. Dexamethasone, 24 mg (three 8 mg intramuscular doses, every 8 hours), was prescribed to women at risk of preterm birth (28 to weeks). Appropriate newborn care was available: including oxygen but not assisted ventilation. Mortality and maternal fever were compared by number of doses (complete: three, incomplete: one or two, or no dose). A sub-cohort participated to neurodevelopmental testing at one year. Results: Of 15,285 singleton births, 240 were included: 96 did not receive dexamethasone and 144 received one, two or three doses (56, 13 and 75, respectively). Of live born infants (n=233), early neonatal and neonatal mortality/ 1,000 livebirths (95%CI) with complete dosing was 141 (78–240) and 304 (191–448) compared to 292 (210–389) and 521 (407–633) with no dose. Compared to complete dosing, both incomplete and no dexamethasone were associated with elevated adjusted ORs 4.09 (1.39 to 12.00) and 3.13 (1.14 to 8.63), for early neonatal death. By contrast, for neonatal death, while there was clear evidence that no dosing was associated with higher mortality, adjusted OR 3.82 (1.42 to 10.27), the benefit of incomplete dosing was uncertain adjusted OR 1.75 (0.63 to 4.81). No adverse impact of dexamethasone on maternal fever or neurodevelopmental scores was observed. Conclusions: Neonatal mortality reduction is possible with complete dexamethasone dosing in pregnancies at risk of preterm birth in settings without capacity to provide assisted ventilation.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 07-04-2022
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.17743.1
Abstract: Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) contributes significantly to maternal and neonatal morbidity, but data from marginalized populations remains scarce. This study aims to compare risk-factor-based screening to universal testing for GDM among migrants along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Methods: From the prospective cohort (September 2016, February 2019), 374 healthy pregnant women completed a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-32 weeks gestation. Fasting, one hour and two hour cut-offs were based on Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO trial) criteria and cases were treated. The sensitivity and specificity of risk-factor-based screening criteria was calculated using OGTT as the gold standard. Risk factors included at least one positive finding among 10 criteria, e.g., obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥27.5kg/m 2 ), 1 st degree relative with diabetes etc. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared by GDM status, and risk factors for GDM were explored. Results: GDM prevalence was 13.4% (50/374) (95% CI: 10.3-17.2). Risk-factors alone correctly identified 74.0% (37/50) OGTT positive cases: sensitivity 74.0% (59.7-85.4) and specificity 27.8% (3.0-33.0). Burman women accounted for 29.1% of the cohort population, but 38.0% of GDM cases. Percentiles for birthweight (p=0.004), head circumference (p=0.005), and weight-length ratio (p=0.010) were higher in newborns of GDM mothers compared with non-GDM, yet 21.7% (75/346) of newborns in the cohort were small-for-gestational age. In Burman women, overweight/obese BMI was associated with a significantly increased adjusted odds ratio 5.03 (95% CI: 1.43-17.64) for GDM compared to normal weight, whereas underweight and overweight/obese in Karen women were both associated with similarly elevated adjusted odds, approximately 2.4-fold (non-significant) for GDM. GDM diagnosis by OGTT was highest prior to peak rainfall. Conclusions: Risk-factor-based screening was not sufficiently sensitive or specific to be useful to diagnose GDM in this setting among a cohort of low-risk pregnant women. A two-step universal screening program has thus been implemented.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 18-01-2023
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.17743.2
Abstract: Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) contributes to maternal and neonatal morbidity. As data from marginalized populations remains scarce, this study compares risk-factor-based to universal GDM screening in a low resource setting. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from a prospective preterm birth cohort. Pregnant women were enrolled in the first trimester and completed a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-32 weeks' gestation. To define GDM cases, Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO trial) criteria were used. All GDM positive cases were treated. Sensitivity and specificity of risk-factor-based selection for screening (criteria: age ≥30y, obesity (Body mass index (BMI) ≥27.5kg/m 2 ), previous GDM, 1 st degree relative with diabetes, previous macrosomia (≥4kg), previous stillbirth, or symphysis-fundal height ≥90th percentile) was compared to universal screening using the OGTT as the gold standard. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared by GDM status. Results: GDM prevalence was 13.4% (50/374) (95% CI: 10.3-17.2). Three quarters of women had at least one risk factor (n=271 women), with 37/50 OGTT positive cases correctly identified: sensitivity 74.0% (59.7-85.4) and specificity 27.8% (3.0-33.0). Burman women (self-identified) accounted for 29.1% of the cohort population, but 38.0% of GDM cases. Percentiles for birthweight (p=0.004), head circumference (p=0.002), and weight-length ratio (p=0.030) were higher in newborns of GDM positive compared with non-GDM mothers. 21.7% (75/346) of newborns in the cohort were small-for-gestational age (≤10 th percentile). In Burman women, overweight/obese BMI was associated with a significantly increased adjusted odds ratio 5.03 (95% CI: 1.43-17.64) for GDM compared with normal weight, whereas in Karen women, the trend in association was similar but not significant (OR 2.36 95% CI 0.95-5.89). Conclusions: Risk-factor-based screening missed one in four GDM positive women. Considering the benefits of early detection of GDM and the limited additional cost of universal screening, a two-step screening program was implemented.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 12-08-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0255902
Abstract: Four in five neonatal deaths of preterm births occur in low and middle income countries and placental histopathology examination can help clarify the pathogenesis. Infection is known to play a significant role in preterm birth. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the association between placental histopathological abnormality and preterm birth in the presence of confirmed infection. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase were searched using the keywords related to preterm birth, placental histopathology and infection. Titles and abstracts were screened and the full texts of eligible articles were reviewed to extract and summarise data. Of 1529 articles, only 23 studies (13 bacterial, 6 viral and 4 parasitic) were included, and they used 7 different gestational age windows, and 20 different histopathological classification systems, precluding data pooling. Despite this, histopathological chorioamnionitis, and funisitis (when examined) were commonly observed in preterm birth complicated by confirmed bacterial or viral, but not parasitic, infection. The presence of malaria parasites but not pigment in placenta was reported to increase the risk of PTB, but this finding was inconclusive. One in three studies were conducted in low and middle income countries. An array of: definitions of preterm birth subgroups, histological classification systems, histopathologic abnormalities and diagnostic methods to identify infections were reported in this systematic review. Commitment to using standardised terminology and classification of histopathological abnormalities associated with infections is needed to identify causality and potential treatment of preterm birth. Studies on preterm birth needs to occur in high burden countries and control for clinical characteristics (maternal, fetal, labor, and placental) that may have an impact on placental histopathological abnormalities.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 02-11-2017
DOI: 10.12688/WELLCOMEOPENRES.12338.2
Abstract: Background : Inherited red blood cell disorders are prevalent in populations living in malaria endemic areas G6PD deficiency is associated with oxidant-induced haemolysis and abnormal haemoglobin variants may cause chronic anaemia. In pregnant women, microcytic anaemia caused by haemoglobinopathies mimics iron deficiency, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Anaemia during pregnancy is associated with morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to characterise the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and haemoglobinopathies among the pregnant population living along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in this area belong to several distinct ethnic groups. Methods : Data were available for 13,520 women attending antenatal care between July 2012 and September 2016. Screening for G6PD deficiency was done by fluorescent spot test routinely. G6PD genotyping and quantitative phenotyping by spectrophotometry were analysed in a subs le of women. Haemoglobin variants were diagnosed by HPLC or capillary electrophoresis and molecular methods. The prevalence and distribution of inherited red blood cell disorders was analysed with respect to ethnicity. Results : G6PD deficiency was common, especially in the Sgaw Karen ethnic group, in whom the G6PD Mahidol variant allele frequency was 20.7%. Quantitative G6PD phenotyping showed that 60.5% of heterozygous women had an intermediate enzymatic activity between 30% and 70% of the population median. HbE, beta-thalassaemia trait and Hb Constant Spring were found overall in 15.6% of women. Only 45.2% of women with low percentage of HbA 2 were carriers of mutations on the alpha globin genes. Conclusions : Distribution of G6PD and haemoglobin variants varied among the different ethnic groups, but the prevalence was generally high throughout the cohort. These findings encourage the implementation of an extended program of information and genetic counselling to women of reproductive age and will help inform future studies and current clinical management of anaemia in the pregnant population in this region.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Aung Myat Min.