hematology and oncology
Hemoglobin E Disease
Introduction
Homozygous hemoglobin E (Hb E) disease is a Overview of Hemoglobinopathies that causes a mild hemolytic anemia, usually without splenomegaly. (See also Overview of Hemolytic Anemia .) 15% incidence of homozygous disease) populations, although rarely in people of Chinese ancestry. Patients who are heterozygous (Hb AE) are asymptomatic. Patients heterozygous for Hb E and Thalassemias have a hemolytic disease more severe than In patients who are heterozygous (Hb AE), a microcytosis is present without anemia, and target cells can be found on a peripheral blood smear. In patients who are homozygous, a mild microcytic anemia with prominent target cells exists. Diagnosis of hemoglobin E disease is by hemoglobin electrophoresis. Most patients do not require treatment. However, patients with severe disease may benefit from periodic transfusions or splenectomy. 