APoGI for the Haemoglobin Disorders

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Implications for a Child when One Partner carries Haemoglobin O Arab and the Other carries Haemoglobin D (type unknown)

This is a very unusual combination that has not been reported in the literature, so it is difficult to give information with absolute confidence. However, there is no evidence that it could cause any problem.

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

Partner who carries haemoglobin O Arab			Partner who carries haemoglobin D (type unknown)

Not a carrier	Carrier of haemoglobin O Arab	Carrier of haemoglobin D (type unknown)	Carrier of both haemoglobin O Arab and haemoglobin D (type unknown)

In each pregnancy, there are four possibilities:

The child may not carry any haemoglobin disorder.
The child may carry haemoglobin O Arab. This is harmless.
The child may carry haemoglobin D. This is harmless.
The child may inherit haemoglobin O Arab from one parent and Haemoglobin D 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 O Arab or haemoglobin D. 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