Studies on Thalassaemia‐like Anaemias in Pregnant Immigrants in London*

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Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that the thalassaemia trait is extremely variable in all its manifestations, and that its geographical distribution is very widespread. For this reason it may be expected to be found in many of the immigrant groups in the United Kingdom. The requisite haematological and biochemical study over a sufficient period of time can conveniently be carried out during antenatal attendance, and the possible influence of this condition on the haematological status during pregnancy is itself of considerable interest. The same immigrant groups also contain numerous examples of the easily definable traits for the common abnormal haemoglobins (Hb‐S, Hb‐C), as well as diverse anaemias and others which are essentially due to iron deficiency. In such groups all these conditions may also be complicated by parasitic infestations, particularly hookworm.The present report deals specifically with a group of thalassaemia‐like anaemias, which are compared with a group of iron‐deficiency anaemias. The recognition of the thalassaemic state is based on: (a) consistently reduced MCHC or microcytosis, (b) reduced osmotic fragility of the red cells before or after incubation, (c) presence of stainable iron in the stores and erythroblasts of the bone marrow, and (d) quantitative studies of the Hb‐A2 and Hb‐F levels in haemolysates.The occurrence of Hb‐γ4 (Hb‐Bart's) in the cord bloods at delivery has also been studied. Parallel observations have been made on the subjects with iron‐deficiency anaemias of pregnancy.

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