What Students Need To Know About Hemoglobinopathies.

Hemoglobinopathies are inherited conditions that affect the number or shape of the red blood cells in the body. These conditions can be very different from one another. Some hemoglobinopathies can cause life-threatening symptoms, while others do not cause medical problems or even signs of the condition. Mild hemoglobinopathies may require no medical treatment. However, when severe cases are left untreated, they can cause a shortage of red blood cells (anemia), organ damage or even death. Fortunately, when severe hemoglobinopathies are identified and treated early in life, affected children often can lead healthy lives. Early signs of a hemoglobinopathy include: • Sleeping longer or more often • Tiredness • Shortness of breath • Pain or swelling in the hands or feet • Cold hands or feet • Pale skin The hemoglobinopathies encompass all genetic diseases of hemoglobin. They fall into two main groups: thalassemia syndromes and structural hemoglobin variants (abnormal hemoglobins). α