MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hemoglobin C disease

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Hemoglobin C disease

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Blood cells

Alternative names Return to top

Clinical hemoglobin C

Definition Return to top

Hemoglobin C disease is a genetic blood disorder. It results in a chronic anemia in which the red blood cells are broken down prematurely.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Hemoglobin C is a hemoglobinopathy, caused by an inherited abnormality of the beta globin gene. This disorder is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Hemoglobin C produces a mild type of anemia that occurs because the red blood cells containing abnormal hemoglobin are broken down prematurely.

Normal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin A, is also present. The spleen may be enlarged, and there may be jaundice, a yellow color of the skin. Gallstones may develop and require treatment in adulthood.

The disease occurs predominantly in the black race. A family history of hemoglobin C is a risk factor. In combination with sickle hemoglobin, it results in Hemoglobin SC disease, which is characterized by hemolysis and painful crises. It is usually milder than sickle cell disease.

Symptoms Return to top

Usually there are no observable symptoms of this condition. Episodes of jaundice may occur occasionally.

Signs and tests Return to top

Physical examination reveals an enlarged spleen.

Hemoglobin electrophoresis shows hemoglobin C.
Peripheral smear shows target cells.
CBC shows anemia.

This disease may also alter the results of a serum hemoglobin test.

Treatment Return to top

Usually no treatment is required. Folic acid may help with the production of normal red blood cells, and supplementation may improve the symptoms of the anemia.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

People with hemoglobin C disease can expect to lead a normal life.

Complications Return to top

A complication is gallbladder disease.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if symptoms occur, or if new symptoms develop (jaundice, abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, or shortness of breath).

Prevention Return to top

Genetic counseling is helpful for determining the risk for offspring in high-risk couples.

Update Date: 8/18/2003

Updated by: Corey Cutler, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P.C., Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Instructor in Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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