

Hemoglobin C Disease in Children

Hemoglobin C Disease in Children

What is hemoglobin C disease in children?

Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs. Hemoglobin C disease is caused by abnormal hemoglobin.

What causes hemoglobin C disease in a child?

Hemoglobin C disease is inherited. This means it is passed down from parents to children. 

A person may be a carrier, called hemoglobin C trait. They have no symptoms. Or a person may have hemoglobin C disease. Those with the disease may or may not have symptoms.

A baby born to parents who each carry the trait has a 1 in 4 chance of having hemoglobin C disease.

In the U.S., hemoglobin C is most common in African-Americans. People of Caribbean, Italian, and Greek descent also have a higher risk.

What are the symptoms of hemoglobin C disease in a child?

Most people with hemoglobin C disease don't have symptoms. But they can have low red blood counts or anemia. This can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin and other symptoms.

For those with hemoglobin C who have symptoms, they may include:

  • Enlarged spleen
  • Gallstones
  • Episodes of joint pain
  • Increased risk for infection

How is hemoglobin C disease diagnosed in a child?

The disorder is often found during newborn screening blood tests. Blood tests for hemoglobin C disease include:

  • Peripheral smear. A small sample of blood is checked under a microscope to see if the cells look normal.
  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis. This test measures the different types of hemoglobin.

How is hemoglobin C disease treated in a child?

Hemoglobin C disease is a chronic condition, but it often doesn't need any treatment. The anemia that develops is mild and rarely interferes with everyday life. Neither children nor adults need any special therapy, vitamins, or iron supplements to treat hemoglobin C disease.

What are the complications of hemoglobin C disease in a child?

Hemoglobin C disease usually requires no special medical attention. Sometimes complications can develop, including:

  • Anemia that requires treatment
  • Infections
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Gallstones
  • Vision problems due to changes in the retina 

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call your child's healthcare provider if you or your child has:

  • Frequent or lasting infections
  • Symptoms of gallstones such as pain in the upper abdomen or back, especially after eating

Key points about hemoglobin C disease in children

  • Children with hemoglobin C disease usually do not have symptoms. If they do, they may have mild anemia.
  • Treatment is usually not needed.
  • Although complications are not common, they can occur.

Next steps


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