Influence of two α-Globin Gene Deletions on Homozygous β°-Thalassemia

The favorable influence of α-thalassemia due to a deletion of two α-globin genes (a-thal-1) on homozygous 3°-thalassemia in an adult Chinese woman is described. Her clinical and hematologic condition was milder than usually seen in homozygous β°-thalassemia. With the help of repeated blood transfusions immediately before delivery she gave birth to a physically healthy baby who had the α-thal-1 trait due to two α-globin gene deletions. with Hb Bart's in the cord blood.