Haemoglobinopathies

What are Haemoglobinopathies?

• haemoglobinopathies are genetic, inherited blood disorders. Some of which can be severe eg Sickle Cell, Thalassaemia Zero
• Healthy Carrier States protect against Malaria
• There are more than 1,000 carrier states
• The vast majority are inherited recessively
• The quality or quantity of Haemoglobin is affected

Who is affected?

Haemoglobinopathies are found mainly but not exclusively in people whose ancestry is:

• African
• Caribbean
• Middle Eastern
• Northern Greeks (Cyprus)
• South Asian (Indian Pakistan and Bangladesh)
• South East Asian (China and Far East)

At least 1:1000 people of North European Ancestry have haemoglobinopathy.

Patient Information

Information for Healthcare Professionals