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 D Punjab

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

Partner who carries haemoglobin S			Partner who carries haemoglobin D Punjab

Not a carrier	Carrier of haemoglobin S	Carrier of haemoglobin D Punjab	Child with haemoglobin S/D disorder

In each pregnancy, there are four possibilities:

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

Haemoglobin S/D disorder...

...is a sickle cell disorder. Children with haemoglobin S/D disorder have an increased risk of serious infections, and need to take antibiotics daily. A few people with haemoglobin S/D disorder are healthy all their life. Most have anaemia, and attacks of severe pain in joints or any other part of the body from time to time. Some have severe health problems and need frequent admissions to hospital. People with haemoglobin S/D 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 sickle cell anaemia.

It is possible to test a baby for haemoglobin S/D disorder early in pregnancy. This coupld 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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