Hemoglobin E-Beta-Thalassemia Syndrome

Hemoglobin E - beta-thalassemia (HbE - BT) is a form of beta-thalassemia (see this term) that results in a mild to severe clinical presentation ranging from a condition indistinguishable from beta-thalassemia major to a mild form of beta-thalassemia intermedia (see these terms).

Epidemiology

Prevalence of this form is not known but HbE - beta-thalassemia is predominant in Southeast Asia.

Clinical description

Mild HbE - BT (about 15% of cases) is characterized by normal Hb levels (9-12 g/dl) and patients usually do not develop clinically significant symptoms. No treatment is required. Moderately severe forms (most cases) are characterized by decreased Hb levels (6-8 g/dl) and the clinical manifestations are similar to those of beta-thalassemia intermedia. Transfusions are not required unless infections precipitate further anemia. Iron overload may occur. Severe forms are characterized by very low Hb levels (4-5 g/dl) and patients present with manifestations similar to beta-thalassemia major and are treated as thalassemia major patients. HbE - BT patients are compound heterozygotes for hemoglobin E and beta-thalassemia.