A Chinese Male with Normal Hematological Indices and High Hb A₂ Levels in β-Thalassemia Trait

Abstract

β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is a common hematological disorder in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of Southern China. Heterozygous β-thal is usually associated with reduced hematological indices and increased Hb A₂ levels. However, the preventive program of the regional government only conducts the screening of hematological indices [complete blood count (CBC)] especially at primary hospitals. In this study, we describe a male β-thal patient presenting normal hematological indices but with a high Hb A₂ level. We proposed that hemoglobin (Hb) analysis and CBC should be performed together in the preventive screening program in regions with a high thalassemia incidence to avoid misdiagnosis.

Keywords:

• β-Thalassemia (β-thal)
• Hb A₂
• normal hematological indices
• screening

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Health Department Research Fund of Guangxi [Z2011449] and Key Research and Development Program of Guangxi [AB17292089].