Haemoglobin D-Punjab haemoglobinopathy, the silent epidemic: A prospective hospital based study in Gujarat, India

Haemoglobin D-Punjab (HbD-Punjab) is a globally prevalent variant that remains under-recognized in the Saurashtra-Kutch region of Gujarat. Therefore, it is of interest to determine its prevalence using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and to evaluate associated clinical and haematological features. A cross-sectional analysis of 22 confirmed HbD cases revealed predominantly heterozygous HbD-Punjab, with a marked female predominance and mixed symptomatic presentation. HbD percentages showed no meaningful correlation with haemoglobin concentration, red cell indices, or iron parameters. Thus, we show the need for broader population-based screening to improve early detection and management of HbD haemoglobinopathy in Gujarat.