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Sickle cell anemia and fetal hemoglobin
1VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216-5199.
Fetal hemoglobin, the predominant hemoglobin of the fetus, is good for sickle cell anemia. This hemoglobin inhibits the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin. Clinical studies have shown that at any level of fetal hemoglobin, the more that is present, the better off is the patient. We are now able to increase fetal hemoglobin levels by pharmacologic means. We should know shortly if this is associated with clinical benefit.
Fetal hemoglobin, the predominant hemoglobin of the fetus, is good for sickle cell anemia. This hemoglobin inhibits the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin. Clinical studies have shown that at any level of fetal hemoglobin, the more that is present, the better off is the patient. We are now able to increase fetal hemoglobin levels by pharmacologic means. We should know shortly if this is associated with clinical benefit.