Haematological characteristics of the beta 0 thalassaemia trait in Sardinian children.

Abstract
Red cell indices and Hb A2 levels in Sardinian children with heterozygous .beta.0-thalassemia and in normal controls aged 6 mo.-12 yr were reported. Iron-deficient children and those with hematological findings indicative of .alpha.-thalassemia were excluded. As in adult carriers, these subjects have significantly increased mean red cell counts and significantly reduced mean Hb levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), hematocrit, and MCH concentration. From 66-76% of the heterozygous .beta.0-thalassemia children examined were anemic. MCH and MCV were within the normal range in 2.8% of these children. Serum ferritin levels showed no difference from those of normal controls.