Hemoglobin D-Los Angeles [beta 121(GH4)Glu----Gln] in the Province of Liège, Belgium

Since 1975, more than 19,000 persons have been tested for hemoglobin abnormalities in Liège. Nine unrelated carriers of Hb D-Los Angeles were discovered. They were of Belgian origin. The family of the ninth index case was studied thoroughly. In six generations, 372 descendants of a couple married in 1818 were recorded. Of the 93 tested, 31 were carriers of the Hb D variant. The complete pedigree indicates that Hb D-Los Angeles was already present in Liege province in the 18th century. A connection with India is unlikely.