[Erythrocyte hypocromia in heterozygous hemoglobin E (beta 26 Glu replaced by Lys)]

A family from south-western Germany with 9 heterozygous carriers of haemoglobin E (beta 26 Glu-Lys) is presented. The abnormal haemoglobin has been identified by different electrophoretic techniques and fingerprint analysis. In contrast to earlier observations, haemoglobin E is even in heterozygous carriers associated with erythrocytic hypochromia with MCH values from 23.6 to 26.2 pg. As an explanation for the hypochromia a decreased haemoglobin synthesis is supposed.