my oldest son has hemoglobin c and my younger son has hemoglobin c triat.... i hear each pregnancy concerning me has a 25 % that the newborn will either have hemoglobin c or the trait.... why is this? and why did my son come out having the trait and the other the disease? if anyone knows about this please write back... thanks...
2007-02-27 02:16:39 · 2 answers · asked by jen 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Hemoglobin C (abbreviated as Hb C or HbC) is an abnormal hemoglobin with substitution of a lysine residue for glutamic acid residue at the 6th position of the ß-globin chain.[1] This mutated form reduces the normal plasticity of host erythrocytes. In those who are heterozygous for the mutation, about 28–44% of total hemoglobin (Hb) is HbC, and no anemia develops. In homozygotes, nearly all Hb is in the HbC form, resulting in moderate normocytic hemolytic anemia. Target cells, microspherocytes and HbC crystals are found in a blood smear from a homozygous patient. Individuals heterozygous for both HbC and Hb S (Hb SC disease) or for HbC and thalassemia are known, and have atypical hemolytic anemias; sickling is enhanced in Hb SC disease. Hemoglobin C is found predominantly in West Africa and has been shown to protect against severe malaria.
The "C" designation for HbC is from the name of the city where it was discovered
2007-02-27 17:01:16 · answer #1 · answered by mona w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know much but am interested in knowing too! Hope some professionals out there will pitch in with their expertise!
2007-02-27 10:23:09 · answer #2 · answered by Sami V 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋