Open AccessHbA2 Measurements in β-Thalassemia and in Other Conditions
Author(s) -
G Ivaldi,
Giuseppina Barberio,
Cornelis L. Harteveld,
Piero C. Giordano
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
thalassemia reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2039-4365
pISSN - 2039-4357
DOI - 10.4081/thal.2014.1832
Subject(s) - thalassemia , hemoglobin a2 , computer science , contest , expression (computer science) , medicine , law , political science , programming language
Quite a few papers have been written on the significance of elevated hemoglobin (Hb) A2 as a parameter for the diagnosis of β-thalassemia trait, on the cutoff values to be used in diagnostics and on the significance and effects of factors reducing or elevating the expression of HbA2 and last but not least on the need for reliable measurement methods and precise calibrations with accurate standards. However, little has been published on the causes that elevate or reduce the HbA2 levels in β- and a-thalassemia and in other conditions. For a better understanding of the value of a precise measurement of this parameter we summarize and elucidate in this review the direct and indirect mechanisms that cause the variations in HbA2 expression and that influence the value of this parameter in particular conditions. We conclude by explaining the advantages and disadvantages of trusting on a precise measurement in the complete diagnostic contest