APoGI for the Haemoglobin Disorders

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Implications for a Child when One Partner carries Beta thalassaemia and the Other carries Haemoglobin E

This couple could have a child with haemoglobin E/beta thalassaemia.

Partner who carries beta thalassaemia			Partner who carries haemoglobin E

Not a carrier	Carrier of beta thalassaemia	Carrier of haemoglobin E	Child with haemoglobin E/beta thalassaemia

In each pregnancy, there are four possibilities:

Tthe child may not carry any haemoglobin disorder.
The child may carry beta thalassaemia. This is harmless.
The child may carry haemoglobin E. This is harmless.
The child may inherit beta thalassaemia from one parent, and haemoglobin E from the other. This child would have a serious inherited anaemia called haemoglobin E/beta thalassaemia.

In each pregnancy there is a 3 out of 4 chance of a healthy child, and a 1 out of 4 risk of child with haemoglobin E/beta thalassaemia.

Haemoglobin E/beta thalassaemia...

... is a serious anaemia. A few people with haemoglobin E/beta thalassaemia are healthy all their life. Most are anaemic, are not as strong as others, and need extra care. Some need a blood transfusion every month, for life.

We cannot reliably predict which children will have mild, moderate or severe haemoglobin E/beta thalassaemia.

It is possible to test a baby for Haemogobin E/beta thalassaemia early in pregnancy. This couple should see an expert counsellor in haemoglobin disorders to discuss their options. They should do this before starting a pregnancy, or as early in pregnancy as possible.

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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