alpha thalassemia


α thal·as·se·mi·a

thalassemia due to one of two or more genes that depress (severely or moderately) synthesis of α-globin chains by the chromosome with the abnormal gene. Heterozygous state: severe type, thalassemia minor with 5-15% of Hb Bart at birth, only traces of Hb Bart in adult; mild type, 1-2% of Hb Bart at birth, not detectable in adult. Homozygous state: severe type, erythroblastosis fetalis and fetal death, only Hb Bart and Hb H present; mild type not clinically defined.
See also: hemoglobin H.