Developmental pattern of beta-chain production at midtrimester pregnancy in Sardinian beta o-thalassemia heterozygotes.

This study shows a minor, statistically non significant increase, of beta-chain synthesis from 18 to 24 weeks gestation in both normal and beta o-thalassemia heterozygous fetuses with no significant changes in the ratio between the values for the two groups as a function of gestational age. This result indicates that at midtrimester pregnancy the developmental pattern of Hb F to Hb A switching in beta o-thalassemia heterozygotes is similar to that of normal fetuses.