APoGI for the Haemoglobin Disorders

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Implications for a Child when One Partner carries Haemoglobin S (Sickle Cell) and the Other carries Haemoglobin C

This couple could have a child with haemoglobin S/C disorder.

Partner who carries haemoglobin S			Partner who carries haemoglobin C

Not a carrier	Carrier of haemoglobin S	Carrier of haemoglobin C	Child with haemoglobin S/C disorder

In each pregnancy, there are four possibilities:

The child may not carry any haemoglobin disorder.
The child may carry haemoglobin C. This is harmless.
The child may carry haemoglobin S (sickle cell). This is harmless.
The child may inherit haemoglobin C from one parent and haemoglobin S from the other. This child would have haemoglobin S/C disorder.

In each pregnancy there is a 3 out of 4 chance of a healthy child, and a 1 out of 4 chance of child with haemoglobin S/C disease.

Haemoglobin S/C disorder...

...is a sickle cell disorder. Children with haemoglobin S/C disorder have an increased risk of serious infections, and need to take antibiotics daily. Some people with haemoglobin S/C disorder are completely healthy all their life, some have attacks of severe pain in joints or other parts of the body from time to time, and a few have severe health problems and need frequent admissions to hospital. Many develop problems with their eyes and hips in their 30s and 40s. People with haemoglobin S/C disorder should attend a sickle cell clinic regularly for a check-up and advice.

At present, it is not possible to predict whether a particular couple could have children with mild, moderate or severe haemoglobin S/C disorder.

It is possible to test a baby for haemoglobin S/C disorder in early pregnancy.This couple should see an expert counsellor in haemoglobin disorders to discuss their options, 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.

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