What is HbE beta thalassemia?

Abstract. Hemoglobin E (HbE) is an extremely common structural hemoglobin variant that occurs at high frequencies throughout many Asian countries. It is a β-hemoglobin variant, which is produced at a slightly reduced rate and hence has the phenotype of a mild form of β thalassemia.

What is the most common hemoglobinopathy?

Sickle cell disease, the most common hemoglobinopathy, occurs when at least one HbS variant is present with a second pathogenic beta globin variant; the variants result in abnormal Hb. For more information on pathogenic Hb variants, see the Human Hemoglobin Variants and Thalassemias database.

What is heterozygous HbE?

Heterozygous AE occurs when the gene for hemoglobin E is inherited from one parent and the gene for hemoglobin A from the other. This is called hemoglobin E trait, and it is not a disease. People who have hemoglobin E trait (heterozygous) are asymptomatic and their state does not usually result in health problems.

How do you treat Hb E?

Treatment for hemoglobin E disease is typically not needed. Folic acid supplements may be prescribed to help the body produce normal red blood cells if mild anemia causes symptoms. Most people do not have any symptoms. People with hemoglobin E disease can expect to lead a normal life.

Is beta thalassemia a hemoglobinopathy?

The hemoglobinopathies encompass all genetic diseases of hemoglobin. They fall into two main groups: thalassemia syndromes and structural hemoglobin variants (abnormal hemoglobins). α- and β-thalassemia are the main types of thalassemia; the main structural hemoglobin variants are HbS, HbE and HbC.

What is the difference between a hemoglobinopathy and an thalassemia What are the causes of hemoglobinopathies?

They are single-gene disorders and, in most cases, they are inherited as autosomal co-dominant traits. There are two main groups: abnormal structural hemoglobin variants caused by mutations in the hemoglobin genes, and the thalassemias, which are caused by an underproduction of otherwise normal hemoglobin molecules.

Is HbE a thalassemia?

Hemoglobin E – beta-thalassemia (HbE – BT) is a form of beta-thalassemia (see this term) that results in a mild to severe clinical presentation ranging from a condition indistinguishable from beta-thalassemia major to a mild form of beta-thalassemia intermedia (see these terms).

Does thalassemia trait cause anemia?

Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Thalassemia can cause anemia, leaving you fatigued.

What is E beta?

What happens if both parents have hemoglobin E?

Hemoglobin E/beta thalassemia disease is a lifelong disease that can cause serious health problems. If both parents have hemoglobin E trait, there is a 25 percent (1 in 4) chance with each pregnancy of having a child with hemoglobin E disease. People with hemoglobin E may have health problems and mild anemia.