Implications of increased haemoglobin A2 values in HIV positive women in the antenatal clinic.
Universal antenatal haemoglobinopathy screening in this hospital has identified several women with increased haemoglobin A(2) values, but without hypochromic microcytic red cell indices. This report describes two cases where there is evidence that the raised haemoglobin A(2) value is not caused by heterozygous beta thalassaemia, but rather results from these patients being human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and on antiretroviral therapy. This will have important implications as universal antenatal haemoglobinopathy screening becomes more widespread, and as the number of HIV positive women of childbearing age increases.
Howard
J
J
Department of Haematology, Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, Park Royal, London NW10 7NS, UK. Jo.Howard@nwlh.nhs.uk
Henthorn
J S
JS
Murphy
S
S
Davies
S C
SC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood*; D006443:Hemoglobin A2 / Q000032:analysis*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000097:blood*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods
D006443:Hemoglobin A2