ABSTRACT

Aims: Thalassemia is an inherited hemoglobin disorder caused by anomalies in the globin chain and affects 4.5% of the population across the map. Each year, India reports more than 9000–10000 thalassemia major births. The frequency and prevalence of thalassemia in India have not been well examined previously. The study outcome could have aid in designing healthcare policies to cope with the thalassemia burden.

Method Of 17,11,536 subjects were included after depicted 45 most relevant studies in this meta-analysis. Among the included studies, 16 was carried out in different educational institutions. For statistical derivation meta and metaphor was used.

Result The forest plot showed a high heterogeneity in Indian prevalence rate of beta-thalassemia. Funnel diagrams were used to estimate the publication bias for the included studies.

The overall heterogeneity in the prevalence rate of beta-thalassemia occurrence in this meta-analysis was 0.4238 (95% CI = 0.1334–0.2462; I2 = 99.99%; p-value < 0.001). Using regression analysis Z score 4.5972 was derived, with significant asymmetry (p <0. 001) to plot the funnel plot.

Discussion This meta-analysis describes the real scenario of thalassemia prevalence as the three subgroups of the study shows significant different in the prevalence of the disorder.

The prevalence was successfully reduced through education and testing for this disease and most importantly, an extensive registration program and rigorous monitoring are necessary to combat thalassemia.

Conclusion

The beta-thalassemia leads to serious health and financial burden and worsens in the coming decade. Efforts are needed to develop awareness-raising and screening initiatives. This study will be very relevant in revealing the burden of beta-thalassemia in India. 

Keywords: Meta-analysis, beta-thalassemia, Mutation, Publication bias