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 E

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

Partner who carries haemoglobin S			Partner who carries haemoglobin E

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

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 S (sickle cell). This is harmless.
The child may inherit haemoglobin E from one parent and haemoglobin S from the other. This child would have haemoglobin S/E disorder.

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

Haemoglobin S/E disorder...

...is a sickle cell disorder. It is rare, and we are not able to describe it with complete confidence. It is generally thought to be a mild type of sickle cell disorder. Children with a sickle cell disorder have an increased risk of serious infections, and need to take antibiotics daily. Some are completely healthy all their life. Some are anaemic, and have attacks of severe pain in joints or any other part of the body from time to time. A few have severe health problems and need frequent admissions to hospital. People with haemoglobin S/E 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/E disorder.

It is possible to test a baby for haemoglobin S/E disorder early in 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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