Abstract
Summary: We have studied the hematology and hemoglobin patterns of normal and heterozygous β thalassemia infants in serial samples obtained during the first year of life. The hemoglobin level, mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin were significantly lower in the β thalassemia traits by the age of 3 months and this difference was maintained throughout the first year. Hb A2 levels were significantly higher in the β thalassemia group but increased in both groups throughout the first year. Hb F levels were also higher in heterozygotes for β thalassemia at all ages, showing a delay in the postnatal decline.
Speculation: The low mean cell hemoglobin, elevated Hb F level and increased susceptibility to oxidant damage which characterise the red cells of heterozygous β thalassemia infants may combine to protect these infants against P. falciparum malaria.
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Wood, W., Weatherall, D., Hart, G. et al. Hematologic Changes and Hemoglobin Analysis in β Thalassemia Heterozygotes during the First Year of Life. Pediatr Res 16, 286–289 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198204000-00008
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198204000-00008