Haemoglobin C

Haemoglobin C (Hb C) is a variant haemoglobin, less soluble than the major normal adult Hb, Hb A. This variant haemoglobin is particularly frequent in people of African descent. Heterozygotes (AC individuals) may present with mild microcytic anaemia. Homozygotes (CC individuals) always display mild microcytic haemolytic anaemia, usually with moderate enlargement of the spleen, and may develop complications such as pigmented gallstones or leg ulcers. Patients who are heterozygotes for both Hb S (sickle haemoglobin) and Hb C have clinical features of sickle cell disease.