Haematological characteristics of the beta 0 thalassaemia trait in Sardinian children.

We report red cell indices and haemoglobin (Hb)A2 levels in Sardinian children with heterozygous beta 0-thalassaemia and in normal controls aged 6 months to 12 years. Iron-deficient children and those with haematological findings indicative of alpha-thalassaemia were excluded. As in adult carriers, these subjects have significantly increased mean red cell counts and significantly reduced mean Hb levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), haematocrit, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration.

Beta 0 thalassemia trait in Sardinia.

The red cell indices and results of globin chain synthesis in peripheral blood of obligate beta 0 thalassemia (beta 0 thal) carriers (parents of homozygous beta 0 thal children) and beta thalassemia (beta thal) carriers identified during mass screening are reported. Red cell indices were similar in obligate beta 0 carriers and in carriers diagnosed during mass screening. However there was a higher incidence of anemia in female obligate beta 0 thal carriers.

Thalassaemia types and their incidence in Sardinia.

The frequency of thalassaemia syndromes in Sardinia was examined by a population survey. The data indicate that about 12.6% of the Sardinian subjects are carriers of beta-thalassaemia, while 6.