Unstable hemoglobins, hemoglobins with altered oxygen affinity, and m-hemoglobins

Most patients with chronic Heinz body anemia do not require treatment. Dietary folic acid supplementation is recommended when hemolysis is chronic and severe. During infection, patients should be observed carefully because of the possibility of aplastic or hemolytic crises. Individuals with hemoglobins with altered oxygen affinity or M-hemoglobins do not require treatment, and should be counseled about the benign nature of their condition. Unnecessary procedures to exclude cardiac or pulmonary disease should be avoided.