[Recent data concerning abnormal hemoglobins (author's transl)]

The study of abnormal hemoglobins was oriented towards three criteria as a function of commonly encountered clinical problems : differentiation between frequent, relatively infrequent and exceptional hemoglobins ; systematic study of high-risk ethnic groups and isolated discoveries ; silent hemoglobinopathies and those accompanied by physiopathological repercussions such as hemolytic anemia, disturbance in oxygen transport and cyanosis. The chronology and rationale for these studies was discussed, with particular attention being given both to normalized baseline measures and to the new, high-resolution techniques such as isoelectric focalization. No attempt was made to provide an exhaustive list, but rather examples were provided illustrating the various points considered. Finally, a number of particular points are brought up to where a correctly made diagnosis can avoid the necessity of subjecting patients to long and possibly dangerous tests.