Hemoglobin Bart's in Northern Algeria.

The hemoglobin patterns of 293 cord bloods from Northern Algeria were examined by electrophoresis on cellulose-acetate strips. A fast-moving component, identified as Hb Bart's, was found in about 10% of the cases. The levels of Hb Bart's ranged from 0.1 to 10% of the total hemoglobin. There was a significant correlation between the Hb Bart's levels and the decrease in MCV. The relative rates of globin chain synthesis measured by 3H-leucine incorporation was estimated in 15 cord bloods. It was found imbalanced in the 5 cord bloods which contained more than 0.5% Hb Bart's. These findings suggest that elevated Hb Bart's levels in the Algerian population are due to the presence of alpha-thalassemia.