OBJECTIVETo analyze the genotype and phenotype correlation in the hemoglobin E (HbE) carriers, and to investigate the effect of HbE on hematological parameters.

METHODSThe capillary electrophoresis was used to screen total 14 141 samples and blood cell analysis was further processed to the HbE carrying samples. Gap-PCR and reverse dot blot hybridization method were used for the detection of Chinese common mutation of α and β thalassemia.

RESULTSThere is a statistical difference in hematological phenotype index (HGB, MCV, MCH, HbE, HbA(2)) between samples of HbE heterozygous (53 samples), HbE homozygous (2 samples), HbE composite α thalassemia (α-thal, 7 samples) and HbE composite β thalassemia (β-thal, 8 samples). Among the four groups, HbE heterozygous \[HGB (122.7 ± 19.99) g/L, MCV (78.65 ± 5.03) fl\] and HbE composite α-thal \[HGB (113.6 ± 22.68) g/L, MCV (73.50 ± 7.73) fl\] had slight effect on hematological parameters, but HbE composite β-thal \[HGB (76.4 ± 12.30) g/L\], MCV (59.23 ± 5.28) fl\] had the heaviest effect on hematological parameters.

CONCLUSIONCo-existence of HbE heterozygous and other type thalassemias showed variation in their hematological phenotype, so patients should be informed of genetics in prenatal diagnosis.