Adult onset of a Thalassemia intermedia genotype in association with a -alpha-3.7 homozygosity. Hb G-Accra [beta73(e17)Asp-->Asn] in combination with beta- and alpha-thalassemia in the same family

Hemoglobin. 2005;29(4):269-76. doi: 10.1080/03630260500310554.

Abstract

We present the case of a 39-year-old male of mixed Black and Chinese Surinamese origin referred because of abdominal pain and extreme tiredness. The patient reported that he had received a single blood transfusion in his youth and presented at intake with a severe microcytic hypochromic anemia. A chest X-ray and computer tomography (CT)-scan revealed bilateral mediastinal lymphadenopathy and interstitial infiltrates. Elevated Hb F (80%) and an unbalanced synthesis ratio (beta/alpha = 0.18) were compatible with severe beta-thalassemia (thal) intermedia. DNA analysis revealed a double heterozygoty for the -88 (C-->T) and the IVS-II- 654 (C-->T) mutations in the presence of a homozygosity for the -alpha3.7 deletion. The two daughters of the proband were both heterozygous for the IVS-II-654 (C-->T) mutation and the -alpha3.7 deletion. The youngest daughter also carried the Hb G-Accra [beta73(E17)Asp-->Asn] mutation, inherited from the mother. Hb G-Accra, a mutant of presumed Ghanaian origin, described as non pathological in the carrier, is reported for the first time in combination with a severe fbeta(+)thal. The molecular background, haplotype of the mutations and a new A--> polymorphism at -309, 5' to the G(gamma) romoter, are reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Family Health
  • Fetal Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Genotype
  • Hemoglobins, Abnormal / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Diseases
  • Male
  • Point Mutation
  • alpha-Thalassemia / diagnosis
  • alpha-Thalassemia / genetics*
  • beta-Thalassemia / diagnosis
  • beta-Thalassemia / genetics*

Substances

  • Hemoglobins, Abnormal
  • Fetal Hemoglobin
  • hemoglobin Korle