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Various other hemoglobinopathies

(Various • other • hee-muh-gloh-bin-AH-puh-theez)

General Condition Information

Other Names

  • Hb disease (C, D, E)
  • Hemoglobin C, D, and E disorders
  • Hemoglobin point mutation testing detects hemoglobin D, E, and O
  • Hemoglobinopathies
  • Hemoglobinopathies (various other)
  • Other Hb variant including genetic trait
  • Other hemoglobin variants
  • Other hemoglobinopathies
  • Other Variant hemoglobinopathies
  • Variant Hb-pathies
  • Variant hemoglobinopathies
  • Variant Hgb
  • Various hemoglobinopathies

Condition Type

Birth Prevalence

  • There are hemoglobinopathies found by newborn screening that are not S,S DiseaseS, Beta-thalassemia; or S,C Disease. It is unknown how many babies are born with these less-well-known conditions each year in the United States. 

Screening Finding

Presence of fetal hemoglobin (F) and another variant hemoglobin (V)

What is various other hemoglobinopathies

Hemoglobinopathies are a group of inherited (genetic) conditions that affect the hemoglobin in blood. Hemoglobin is a part of your red blood cells, which carry oxygen in your body.

There are different types of hemoglobinopathies. These types can be more or less severe depending on the amount of normal hemoglobin in your baby’s blood. The more working hemoglobin that your baby has, the less severe their condition will be.

Babies with hemoglobinopathies have less normal hemoglobin, which means they have fewer normal round-shaped red blood cells. Abnormal hemoglobin has some red blood cells shaped like a crescent moon. This crescent, or sickle, shape causes the red blood cells to break down and get stuck in the blood vessels. This causes the signs and symptoms of these conditions.

Hemoglobinopathies include S,S DiseaseS, Beta-thalassemia; or S,C Disease. However, there are also other ways that hemoglobin can become abnormal. “Various other hemoglobinopathies” describes these other hemoglobin-related conditions.

Newborn Screening and Follow-Up

Condition Details

Treatment and Management

It is important to talk to your health care provider about which treatment(s) are best for your baby. Most children with this condition may not need treatment. The goal of treatment is to prevent the health problems caused by this condition.

Treatments may include the following:

  • Folic acid supplements
  • Daily dose of antibiotics to prevent repeated infections
  • Medications (analgesics) to treat pain
  • Blood transfusions in special circumstances

Children who receive early health care and treatment for their hemoglobinopathy can have better healthier lives than those who do not receive treatment.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are local agencies that provide services, education, and support to families affected by hemoglobinopathies. To find a CBO near you, please visit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America’s list of member organizations.

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