title: Hemoglobin F and hemoglobin E/beta-thalassemia.
abstract: Hemoglobin (Hb) F levels are high and variable in Hb E/beta-thalassemia, ranging from 10% to 80%. The high levels are secondary to expansion of the erythron with ineffective erythropoiesis and selection in favor of cells able to make more gamma-globin. The variability in levels reflects the complex processes involved in Hb F production. Important determinants include age, alpha-thalassemia, and genetic determinants of gamma-chain synthesis. Overall, percentage of Hb F correlates with total hemoglobin levels and decreases steadily with age. alpha-thalassemia is associated with a lower percentage of Hb F levels but a higher total hemoglobin level in Hb E/beta-thalassemia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, England, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Rees
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis*; D006446:Hemoglobin E / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000097:blood; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D011990:Receptors, Transferrin; D006446:Hemoglobin E; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin