Hemoglobin types in Brazilian populations.

Population surveys performed in different Brazilian ethnic groups, and comprising 23,606 subjects, disclosed, besides the common S and D types, hemoglobins G and Por to Alegre, as well as high F, A'2 and an apparently unstable A2 variant. Additional studies on isolated families revealed the occurrence of hemoglobins I, Niterói, D Punjab, M Boston and J Rovigo. Screening for sickle cells was also performed on 17,412 individuals. Detailed clinical studies on series of sickle cell anemics were also performed. Due to their special interest, the physico-chemical properties of Hb porto Alegre are reviewed in some detail.