Common Variations

If a child inherits beta thalassaemia from one parent and Hb E, Hb O Arab or Hb Lepore from the other parent, then the child will have a type of thalassaemia. If this happens the child may develop medical problems associated with beta thalassaemia intermedia or beta thalassaemia major.
If a child inherits beta thalassaemia from one parent and sickle cell from the other parent, then the child will have a type of sickle cell disease called “sickle beta thalassaemia”. If this happens the child may develop medical problems associated with sickle haemoglobin.

If your child is a carrier of beta thalassaemia it’s advisable for you as parents to find out your haemoglobin types to determine if there is any risk of serious haemoglobinopathy in future pregnancies. It’s also advisable to test any other children in your family.

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