| Delta-beta thalassemia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Delta-beta thalassemia | |
| Specialty | Hematology  |
| Causes | Produces only gamma-globin and forms HbF(deletes entire delta and beta gene sequence)[1] |
| Diagnostic method | High-performance liquid chromatography |
| Treatment | Blood transfusions[2] |
Delta-beta thalassemia is a rare form of thalassemia in which there is a reduced production of hemoglobin subunit delta and hemoglobin subunit beta and raised levels of hemoglobin subunit gamma. It is an autosomal recessive disorder.[1][3]
An individual with delta-beta thalassemia is usually asymptomatic, however microcytosis can occur where the red blood cells are abnormally small.[1][4]
Delta-beta thalassemia is autosomal recessive disorder,[1] which means both parents are affected and two copies of the gene must be present.[5] A carrier gets a normal gene to produce hemoglobin A, from one parent and the other parent supplies a gene which makes no hemoglobin A.[6] Delta-beta thalassemia is considered rare.[2]
Delta-beta-thalassemia is caused by deletions of the entire delta and beta genes sequences and only gamma-globin and HbF are formed. Rarely, non-deletional forms have been reported.[7][8]
When two delta0 mutations are inherited, no hemoglobin A2 (alpha2, delta2) are formed. This is innocuous because only 2-3% of normal adult hemoglobin is hemoglobin A2. The individual will have normal hematological parameters (erythrocyte count, total hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume).[medical citation needed] The delta-beta thalassemia demonstrates one mutation is at the +69 position.[9]
Delta-beta thalassemia can mask the diagnosis of beta thalassemia trait. In beta thalassemia, an increase in hemoglobin A2 results, but the co-existence of a delta-beta thalassemia mutation will decrease the value of the hemoglobin A2 into the normal range, thereby obscuring the diagnosis of beta thalassemia trait[10]
Following the detection of hypochromic microcytic red blood cells, delta-beta thalassemia is confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography.[11]
When needed, treatment for anemia, such as blood transfusions are used.[2]
Stem cell transplant is another option, but the donor and the individual who will receive the bone marrow transplant must be compatible, the risks involved should be evaluated.[2][12][13]
