APoGI for the Haemoglobin Disorders

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Implications for a Child when One Partner carries Alpha Zero Thalassaemia and the Other carries haemoglobin E

There is no particular problem for the couple. This combination cannot cause an inherited anaemia in their children.

Partner who carries alpha zero thalassaemia			Partner who carries haemoglobin E

Not a carrier	Carrier of alpha zero thalassaemia	Carrier of haemoglobin E	Carrier of both alpha zero thalassaemia and haemoglobin E

In each pregnancy, there are four possibilities:

The child may not carry any haemoglobin disorder.
The child may carry alpha zero thalassaemia. This is harmless.
The child may carry Haemoglobin E. This is harmless.
The child may inherit alpha zero thalassaemia from one parent and Haemoglobin E from the other. This is harmless.

This couple has the same chance of a healthy family as other couples.

When the children grow up...

... they should have blood test to see if they have inherited alpha zero thalassaemia or haemoglobin E. If they have, their partner should have a test "for haemoglobin disorders". It is important to remember this for the future.

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These documents are part of the APoGI May 1998 (Evaluation) Release and are made available subject to the APoGI Disclaimers covering usage, distribution and copying.

Problems or further enquiries to APoGI@chime.ucl.ac.uk or the APoGI Contacts