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Hemoglobin C disease
Clinical hemoglobin C
Hemoglobin C disease is a blood disorder passed down through families. It leads to a type of anemia , which occurs when red blood cells break down earlier than normal.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...
Causes
Hemoglobin C is an abnormal type of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is a type of hemoglobinopathy. The disease is caused by a problem with a gene called beta globin.
The disease most often occurs in African Americans. You are more likely to have hemoglobin C disease if someone in your family has had it.
Symptoms
Most people do not have symptoms. In some cases, jaundice may occur. Some people may develop gallstones that need to be treated.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow color of the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes. The yellow coloring comes from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells. Jau...
Gallstones
Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
Exams and Tests
A physical exam may show an enlarged spleen .
Enlarged spleen
Splenomegaly is a larger-than-normal spleen. The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the belly.
Tests that may be done include:
-
Complete blood count
Complete blood count
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The tota...
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Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Hemoglobin electrophoresis measures the levels of the different types of this protein in t...
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Peripheral blood smear
Peripheral blood smear
A blood smear is a blood test that gives information about the number and shape of blood cells. It is often done as part of or along with a complete...
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Blood hemoglobin
Blood hemoglobin
Serum free hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the...
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Treatment
In most cases, no treatment is needed. Folic acid supplements may help your body produce normal red blood cells and improve the symptoms of the anemia.
Outlook (Prognosis)
People with hemoglobin C disease can expect to lead a normal life.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Anemia
- Ggallbladder disease
- Enlargement of the spleen
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hemoglobin C disease.
Prevention
You may want to seek genetic counseling if you are at high risk for the condition and are considering having a baby.
References
DeBaun MR, Frei-Jones MJ, Vichinsky. Hemoglobinopathies. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 462.
Steinberg MH. Sickle cell disease and associated hemoglobinopathies. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 163.
Review Date: 2/1/2016
Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
