Influence of two alpha-globin gene deletions on homozygous beta 0-thalassemia.

The favorable influence of alpha-thalassemia due to a deletion of two alpha-globin genes (alpha-thal-l) on homozygous beta 0-thalassemia in an adult Chinese woman is described. Her clinical and hematologic condition was milder than usually seen in homozygous beta 0-thalassemia. With the help of repeated blood transfusions immediately before delivery she gave birth to a physically healthy baby who had the alpha-thal-l trait due to two alpha-globin gene deletions with Hb Bart's in the cord blood.