Haemoglobin D

Haemoglobin D (Hb D) is a group of rare haemoglobin variants with similar electrophoretic characteristics that differ from the normal adult Hb A. The heterozygous form is clinically silent. Some homozygous Hb D may presents with mild haemolytic anaemia and mild to moderate spleen enlargement. Coinheritance of Hb D with Hb S or thalassaemia can produce conditions like sickle cell anaemia (sickle haemoglobin D disease) or chronic haemolytic anaemia of moderate severity. The most frequent Hb D is Hb D Punjab.