Haemoglobin E variants and pregnancy in Malaysian aborigines

Haemoglobin E complicates 22.2°/o of pregnancy in Malaysian aborigines, the prevalence of variants associated with pregnancy being, 15.8% with Hb E trait abnormality, 3.9% with Hb E homozygous disease, and 2.5% with Hb E thalassaemia disease. Minor haematological abnormalities occur with the trait and homozygous conditions, though a more unfavourable response is expected with Hb E thalassaemia. Haemolysis is not a prominent feature and it is suggested that factors other than the haemoglobinopathic state
probably accounts for any unfavourable response in pregnancy.
Key Words: Haemoglobin E; Haemoglobinopathies; Haemolytic anaemias; Hb E thalassaemia; Malaysia; Pregnancy
Study site: Hospital Orang Asli, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia