Haemoglobinopathies in the Indian Subcontinent. A Review of Literature

Abstract

SummaryAn up-to-date review of literature on the distribution of haemoglobinopathies in the Indian subcontinent has been presented. Haemoglobins S, D, E, J, K, L, M, Q, β-thalassaemia major, β-thalassaemia minor, α-thalassaemia minor, haemoglobin H, haemoglobin Lepore and persistence of foetal haemoglobin have been reported from India, β-thalassaemia in combination with haemoglobins S, E, D, J, K, Q has also been reported. Haemoglobin S is found to be prevalent among tribal populations in various regions of India, while haemoglobin D is prevalent among Sikhs, Pathans and Gujratis. Haemoglobin E is present in high frequency among populations of Assam, Bengal and Veddahs of Ceylon. β-thalassaemia major is widespread in various populations. There is paucity of data regarding distribution of β-thalassaemia minor and α-thalassaemias in this region.