OBJECTIVETo analyze the hematological and genetic characteristics of unstable hemoglobin Rush (Hb Rush) and compound heterozygote of Hb Rush and thalassemia.

METHODSPeripheral blood samples and genomic DNA from three patients (including two ethnic Dai and one Han Chinese) with anemia of undetermined origin were collected. Hematological phenotypes of these patients were determined through red blood cell analysis and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Genotypes of alpha- and beta-globin genes, -158 XmnⅠ polymorphic site ofγ promoter region, and haplotypes of 7 polymorphic restriction sites in the beta-globin gene cluster were determined using PCR-based methods and DNA sequencing.

RESULTSAll patients have presented hypochromic microcytic anemia and hemoglobin fraction with significant increased measurement (30.5%-59.2%) in the region of fetal hemoglobin during alkaline medium electrophoresis. DNA analysis suggested that all patients have carried mutations leading to the unstable hemoglobin Rush (HBB codon 101, GAG>CAG, Glu>Gln). Two of them were compound heterozygotes of Hb Rush and thalassemia mutations of -α,CD17 and Hb E, respectively. Hb Rush mutation was associated with various haplotypes of the β-globin gene cluster. No significant association was found between increased abnormal hemoglobin fraction in the region of Hb F and the polymorphism ofγ promoter or large deletion of the beta-globin gene cluster.

CONCLUSIONThis study has confirmed the distribution of Hb Rush among various Chinese populations and is the third report of its kind. Hb Rush can result in increased measurement of hemoglobin fraction in the region of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) during routine hemoglobin electrophoresis under alkaline condition. Hb Rush heterozygote alone can lead to hypochromic microcytic anemia and thalassemia-like phenotype. Prenatal diagnosis of Hb Rush is necessary for carriers.