HEMATOLOGIC FINDINGS IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN IMMIGRANTS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO HEMOGLOBIN-E

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (4) , 299-306
Abstract
Recent immigrants from Southeast Asia were screened for hematologic abnormalities using a multichannel cell counter (Coulter S), peripheral smear, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP), isoelectric focusing and a qualitative screen for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Hematologic abnormalities were further defined by hemoglobin electrophoresis, globin electrophoresis, HbA2 levels and HbF levels. Of the 189 adults studied, 68 (36%) were hematologically abnormal, including 28 HbE heterozygotes, 6 HbE homozygotes, 14 with .alpha.-thalassemia minor and 10 with presumptive Fe deficiency. Of the 54 people with microcytic (MCV < 80fl) red blood cells (RBC), 52 had evidence of HbE or thalassemia and 2 had Fe deficiency alone; 5 had both Fe deficiency and a hemoglobinopathy. Homozygosity for HbE results in an asymptomatic condition similar to thalassemia minor with microcytic RBC, large numbers of target cells, normal or slightly reduced hematocrit and > 90% HbE. People heterozygous for HbE are asymptomatic and have hematologic findings similar to thalassemia minor with slightly reduced or low normal MCV and 25-35% HbE.

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