APoGI for the Haemoglobin Disorders

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Implications for a Child when One Partner carries Beta Thalassaemia and the Other carries Alpha Plus Thalassaemia

There is no particular problem for this couple. This combination cannot cause a serious inherited anaemia in their children.

Partner who carries beta thalassaemia			Partner who carries alpha plus thalassaemia

Not a carrier	Carrier of beta thalassaemia	Carrier of alpha plus thalassaemia	Carrier of both alpha plus and beta thalassaemia

In each pregnancy, there are four possibilities:

The child may not be a carrier at all.
The child may carry alpha plus thalassaemia. This is harmless.
The child may carry beta thalassaemia. This is harmless.
The child may inherit alpha plus thalassaemia from one parent and beta thalassaemia from the other. This is harmless.

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

When the children grow up...

... they should have blood test to see if they have inherited beta thalassaemia. 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.

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