Abnormal haemoglobins, their identification and estimation
Abnormal Hemoglobin Hemoglobin abnormalities are the group of blood disorders that affect the normal functioning of the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. These are genetic disorders that results in the altered size and shape of the red blood cells, thereby decreasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Hemoglobin is chains of iron-containing protein structures that comprises of alpha, beta, gamma and delta globin chains. Any change in the structure of the globin chains results in the occurrence of hemoglobin abnormalities. The common hemoglobin disorders include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and hemolytic anemia. Hemoglobin abnormalities is a global issue wherein 7% of the world’s population are carriers of the defective gene. Around 3- 5 lakh children are reported to be born with hemoglobin disorders each year with a large number of cases reported in low and middle-income countries. Signs and symptoms The common signs and symptoms of hemoglobin