PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of hemoglobin S (HbS) in newborns, through clinical investigation and laboratory data. METHODS: a protocol established the drawing of 10 mL blood from the umbilical cord after its ligature and section, immediately after birth. The samples were kept in a tube with 5% EDTA and then submitted to high-performance liquid chromatography. The study included a clinical record taken from an interview with the mother, her physical and biochemical condition, as well as that of her newborn. Main criteria were newborn's weight, sex, first minute Apgar, and the mother's color. Statistical analysis was based on the Epi-Info 6.0 program and performed by Student's t test, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: from August 2001 to September 2002, 389 umbilical cord blood samples showed HbS in 16 newborn babies (4.1%). Fifteen of these presented sickle-cell traits (HbS) and the other had a diagnostic hypothesis of sickle-cell anemia (HbSS). Hemoglobinopathy prevailed among male babies. No significant difference was observed between newborns with or without HbS regarding averages of weight and Apgar scores; the same occurred regarding the mother's skin color (Caucasians, mulattos and blacks). CONCLUSION: searching for hemoglobin diseases in newborns should be considered because of the possibility of 25% sickle-cell anemia in the offspring of couples with sickle-cell traits. Screening for abnormal hemoglobin is important in the population at risk. Thus, the creation of programs with these aims is recommended to be included in hospital routines.
Hemoglobin, sickle; Hemoglobinopathies; Anemia, sickle cell; Infant, newborn
