APoGI for the Haemoglobin Disorders

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Implications for a Child when One Partner carries Haemoglobin E and the Other carries Haemoglobin O Arab

This is an unusual combination that has not been reported in the literature. The following information is based on general experience with these types of thalassaemia, and available scientific knowledge.

There is almost certainly no particular problem for this couple. This combination is extremely unlikely to cause a serious inherited anaemia.

Partner who carries haemoglobin E			Partner who carries haemoglobin O Arab

Not a carrier	Carrier of haemoglobin E	Carrier of haemoglobin O Arab	Carrier of both haemoglobin E and haemoglobin O Arab

In each pregnancy, there are four possibilities:

The child may not be a carrier at all.
The child may carry haemoglobin E. This is harmless.
The child may carry haemoglobin O Arab. This is harmless.
The child may inherit haemoglobin E from one parent, and haemoglobin O Arab from the other. This is almost certainly harmless.

In all probability 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 haemoglobin E or haemoglobin O Arab. 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