Clinical Presentation of Hemoglobin C in Albania: Case Series

Etleva Refatllari; Nevila Heta; Alma Barbullushi; Helena Lame; Irena Korita; Anyla Bulo

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2022.10738

Authors

Etleva Refatllari Department of Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
Nevila Heta Department of Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0575-7665
Alma Barbullushi Department of Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
Helena Lame Department of Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3828-3662
Irena Korita Department of Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2514-6164
Anyla Bulo Department of Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2022.10738

Keywords:

Hemoglobinopathies, Hemoglobin C, Hemoglobin SC disease, Hemoglobin electrophoresis

Abstract

The presence of HbC is a rare event in Europe and Mediterranean region where thalassemia and HbS are more frequently encountered. The rarely diagnosed cases are linked with the migration from West-Central Africa. Albania is one of the Mediterranean countries where inherited haemoglobin disorders are considerably widespread. Studies have shown the presence of thalassemia, sickle cell disease and sporadic cases of Hb O-Arab, Hb Lepore especially in the areas where malaria has been endemic. In 2006 we identified the first case with HbSC disease and until 2020 we have found 15 cases with HbC variant.

In this study we have collected and analyzed the laboratory and clinical data of HbC cases. Our data support reports that HbC combinations with HbS and beta thalassemia are clinically important. Our data confirm the presence of the HbC variant in ex-malaric areas where thalassemia and HbS are quite widespread.

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