Alpha-thalassemia changes the cell density profile in sickle cell anaemia.

Several factors are implied in the haematological and clinical picture of sickle cell anaemia. Attention has been focused on the concomitant presence of -alpha-thalassemia and high levels of HbF, but contradictory results have been reported in different populations. We compared the blood cell density profile, obtained by the phtalate esther method, of normal subjects with those of patients with sickle cell anaemia - with or without heterozygous alpha-thalassemia. We found that the density profile of both groups of patients differs from normal subjects, and that a difference can also be demonstrated between normal alpha genotype patients with sickle cell anaemia and patients with heterozygous alpha-thalassemia. These results are in agreement with the findings obtained in other countries in which a gene from Caucasian to African populations have been demonstrated, and are different from the results obtained in populations of more pure African ancestry. It can be suggested, therefore, that these data, in addition with findings of other authors in different geographical areas, support the hypothesis that the genetic make up plays an important role in the haematologic and clinical picture of sickle cell anaemia.