Abstract

Background: β thalassemia has been considered one of the most common genetic diseases. It represents public health concern especially in Middle East and Mediterranean regions.

Objective: To determine the influential effect of paternal and maternal ages on β thalassemia inheritance.

Materials and Methods: This case–control study was conducted at EL Fayoum University Hospital in the period from June 2013 to June 2014. The study included 94 children with β thalassemia. Full medical history was taken. The state of parental consanguinity and paternal and maternal ages at time of the child’s birth were recorded (as given by history and confirmed by data from birth record of the child and identity record of the parents). Results were interpreted using Statistical Package for Social Science program.

Result: Fathers aged ≥40 years revealed increased risk to possess children with β thalassemia (P = 0.000, 95%CI: 0.038, 0.015). Children of relative parents had significantly increased chance to possess β thalassemia (P = 0.000, 95%CI: 0.219, 0.491). Maternal age did not have any influential effect on β thalassemia inheritance. There were no significant differences between thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia with respect to father’s age and consanguinity.

Conclusion: Parents with positive consanguinity and fathers aged ≥40 years showed increased risk to possess children with β thalassemia disease. These results must be considered on applying the rules of preconception screening and genetic counseling to thalassemia. Complementary genetic studies about this issue are recommended.

Key words: Paternal age, positive consanguinity, thalassemia risk, Middle East and Mediterranean regions