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Thalassaemia genes in Peninsular Arabs
Author(s) -
White J. M.,
Byrne M.,
Richards R.,
Buchanan T.,
SheikYousouf I.,
White Y. S.,
Frost B.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1985.tb07413.x
Subject(s) - microcytosis , medicine , hemoglobinopathy , consanguinity , population , pediatrics , iron deficiency , hemolytic anemia , anemia , environmental health
S ummary The haematological indices of Peninsular Arabs (United Arab Emirate Nationals, Yemeni and Omani) have been examined. The most outstanding feature, seen in 40–50% of all subjects, was one of hypochromia, microcytosis associated with erythrocytosis. In approximately 5% the hypochromia was severe (MCH 19–22 pg) and 20% of these were found to have β thalassaemia trait. In 10% of subjects the hypochromia was moderate (MCH 23–24 pg) and β thalassaemia was confirmed in only 10%. The remaining 25% had a mild hypochromia (MCH 25–27 pg) and no β thalassaemia was detected. The cause of the hypochromia in subjects with a normal Hb A 2 (30% of the total population) is probably α thalassaemia, firstly because in those patients with an MCH of 19–24 pg the other haematological parameters are statistically the same as those with proven β thalassaemia and, secondly, in those with an MCH of 25–27 pg iron deficiency is not common (6% of the population). The degree and pattern of the distribution of hypochromia of the three major ethnic groups of the Peninsular Arabs could be explained either by different α and β thalassaemia genes being operative or by different degrees of inbreeding of the same genes.