hemoglobin C
Also written as: HbC — hemoglobin C
Hemoglobin variant that causes mild hemolytic anemia when homozygous and can compound sickle cell disease when heterozygous with HbS.
Full Definition
Hemoglobin C (HbC) is a structural hemoglobin variant caused by substitution of lysine for glutamic acid at position 6 of the β-globin chain. Homozygous HbC disease typically causes mild hemolytic anemia with splenomegaly and target cells on blood smear. More clinically significant is compound heterozygosity with hemoglobin S (HbSC disease), which presents with features intermediate between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease. HbC has reduced solubility and increased tendency to crystallize, particularly in hypertonic conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Use HbC abbreviation after first mention. Distinguish clearly from HbS and HbSC disease.
In Context
- "The patient has hemoglobin C trait with 38% HbC and 60% HbA on electrophoresis." — Laboratory report
- "Hemoglobin C disease typically presents with milder symptoms than sickle cell anemia." — Hematology textbook