Genetic screening is an important tool to control, minimize, and prevent genetic disorders. Saudi Arabia started the first national premarital screening (PMS) program to control inherited hemoglobin (Hb) disorders that are the most commonly inherited genetic disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude among the Saudi population about the PMS program through a questionnaire-based survey. A total of 1,047 candidates were included, divided into three groups. Group A represented the general population, group B was composed of couples presenting for PMS, and group C represented couples who had received their results. There was a fair knowledge among participants of the three groups about the nature of the tests and the targeted disorders, with more than 80% believing that it should include both sexually and genetically transmitted diseases. The concept of genetic counseling was liked by most of the participants. There was a positive attitude toward the program and the majority agreed to apply the PMS program to all couples in all country regions. More than 60% of all the participants were in favor of preventing at-risk marriages.

Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide. According to an estimate by the World Health Organization, up to 27% of the world’s population experience iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Studies conducted in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, have suggested that IDA is the most common cause of anemia, especially among females. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IDA and iron deficiency (ID) among apparently healthy young university students from four regions in Saudi Arabia. Students were asked to complete a simple survey questionnaire; blood samples were then collected and analyzed after obtaining informed consent. A total of 981 students completed the survey, with 11% of the participants reporting symptoms of anemia; 34% of participants were diagnosed with IDA and 6% reported a diagnosis of hemoglobinopathy. Blood analysis confirmed the prevalence of ID and IDA in 28.6% and 10.7% of the participants, respectively; those with ID and IDA were mostly females (88.5% and 94%, resp.). Thalassemia trait and sickle cell trait were detected in 1.3% and 7% of participants, respectively. Our findings from a national survey among young university in Saudi Arabia indicate a high prevalence of ID and IDA.

BACKGROUND: Expression of myeloid or T cell lymphoid in precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre- B cell ALL), which is referred to as aberrant expression, is quite a common phenomenon. cD66c is a myeloid marker which has aberrant expression in pre-B cell ALL, with strong correlation with non-random genetic changes (BCR/ABL rearrangement). Another leukemia associated marker (CD25) is frequently expressed in pre-B cell ALL. The frequency of CD25-expressing lymphoblasts has been found to be significantly higher in BCR/ABL-positive vs. BCR/ABL-negative patients. METHODS: In a cohort of 1 03 patients diagnosed with pre-B cell ALL or biphenotypic leukemia and studied for expression of CD66c and CD25 at presentation, we evaluated the frequency of expression of either or both in BCR/ABL positive cases. RESULTS: Surface CD66c was expressed by 70 cases (68%) and CD25 was expressed by 33 cases (32%) while both were expressed together on 29 cases (28%). BCR/ABL was positive in 18/1 03 patients. All BCR/ABL positive cases were positive for surface CD66c and CD25. CONCLUSION: Positivity for both leukemia-associated antigens CD66c and CD25 in combination can predict the presence of BCR/ABL rearrangement in pre-B cell ALL. While this finding does not replace the detection of BCR/ABL abnormality by cytogenetic or molecular techniques, it does provide an early and handy tool for prediction and management of high-risk cases of pre-B cell ALL, especially in centers with limited laboratory facilities.