Haemoglobinopathies in the Indian subcontinent: a review of literature

Abstract

A review of the literature of the distribution of haemoglobinopathies in the Indian subcontinent is presented. Haemoglobins S, D, E, J, K, L, M, Q, 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 little information regarding the distribution of β thalassaemia minor and α thalassaemias in this region.