What is the significance of being a Hemoglobin C (HbC) carrier?

From the Research

Being a Hemoglobin C (HbC) carrier is generally a benign condition that does not require specific treatment, and carriers can lead normal, healthy lives without restrictions, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2024 1. The condition is characterized by the presence of one normal hemoglobin gene and one hemoglobin C gene, resulting in both normal hemoglobin A and abnormal hemoglobin C in their red blood cells.

• Carriers may experience mild anemia in some cases, but this rarely requires intervention.
• The importance of hemoglobin C carrier status lies primarily in genetic counseling, as carriers have a 50% chance of passing the hemoglobin C gene to each child.
• If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance their child could inherit hemoglobin C disease (homozygous CC), which can cause mild to moderate hemolytic anemia, as noted in a study from 2019 2. Key points to consider include:
• Genetic counseling is recommended for carriers planning to have children, especially if their partner also carries a hemoglobin variant like hemoglobin C or S.
• Regular health maintenance with a primary care provider is sufficient for carriers, as they can lead normal, healthy lives without restrictions, according to a study from 2011 3.
• Hemolytic anemia, which can be caused by hemoglobin C disease, is defined by the premature destruction of red blood cells and can be chronic or life-threatening, as discussed in a study from 2018 4.