Alpha-thalassaemia in Bahrain: haemoglobin H disease - not so benign

ABSTRACT

A retrospective analysis of the records of 76 in-patients seen at Salmaniya Medical Centre, Bahrain, during the period 1985-86 was carried out. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical manifestations of haemoglobin H disease. These patients were classified into three groups; their clinical and haematological details were carefully recorded. The study has revealed one important finding: contrary to old-held belief, haemoglobin H disease can have diversified and at times severe clinical manifestations. However, haemoglobin H disease still remains intriguing and requires the collaborative research efforts of Arabian Gulf countries