Sickle Cell Anemia in an Albanian Family in Yugoslavia

Abstract

Hemoglobinopathies are rather common in Yugoslavia. During the last 20 years 18 different forms of thalassemia the related conditions have been detected, of which heterozygous β-thalassemia and the Lepore Hemoglobinopathies are the most common (1, 2). In addition, more than 50 subjects with one of 19 different abnormal hemoglobins (Hb) have been found (1, 2). Hb S has only been observed in a few heterozygous members of tow unrelated families; one was of Serbian nationality (3), and the other of Gypsy ethnic background (4). Recently, we discovered the homozygous SS condition in a 2 1/2-year-old Albanian boy.