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Co‐inheritance of α + ‐thalassaemia and sickle trait results in specific effects on haematological parameters
Author(s) -
Wambua Sammy,
Mwacharo Jedidah,
Uyoga Sophie,
Macharia Alexander,
Williams Thomas N.
Publication year - 2006
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.1365-2141.2006.06006.x
Subject(s) - sickle cell trait , alpha (finance) , hemoglobinopathy , trait , genotype , medicine , biology , hemolytic anemia , genetics , disease , surgery , gene , computer science , programming language , construct validity , patient satisfaction
Both the sickle cell trait (HbAS) and α + ‐thalassaemia are common in many tropical areas. While their individual haematological effects are well described, few studies describe their effects when inherited together. We present data from the Kenyan coast, which suggest that HbAS and α + ‐thalassaemia may interact to produce specific effects on haematological parameters. Overall, the difference in Hb concentrations between non‐thalassaemics ( α α / α α ) and α + ‐thalassaemia homozygotes (− α /− α ) was greater in non‐HbAS (HbAA) (0·63 g/dl) than in HbAS children (0·25 g/dl). HbAS also ameliorated both the reduced mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin normally associated with the − α /− α genotype. Potential mechanisms and implications are discussed.