APoGI for the Haemoglobin Disorders

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Implications for a Child when Both Partners carry Haemoglobin S (Sickle Cell)

This couple could have a child with sickle cell anaemia.

Partner who carries haemoglobin S			Partner who carries haemoglobin S

Not a carrier	Carrier of haemoglobin S	Carrier of haemoglobin S	Child with sickle cell anaemia

In each pregnancy, there are three possibilities:

The child may not carry any haemoglobin disorder.
The child may carry haemoglobin S (sickle cell). This is harmless.
The child may inherit haemoglobin S from both parents. This child would have sickle cell anaemia.
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 sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell anaemia...

...is a sickle cell disorder. Children with sickle cell anaemia have an increased risk of serious infections, and need to take antibiotics daily. A few people with sickle cell anaemia 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 sickle cell anaemia 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 sickle cell anaemia 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.

Problems or further enquiries to APoGI@chime.ucl.ac.uk or the APoGI Contacts