Hemoglobin SE disease

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Disease Overview

Hemoglobin SE disease (HbSE) is an inherited condition affecting the part of the blood that carries oxygen known as hemoglobin. People with HbSE have hemoglobin that doesn’t work efficiently. Symptoms usually develop in early adulthood. They may include mild anemia, enlarged spleen, reduced blood flow to the joints, and painful episodes due to blocked blood vessels. Many people with this condition have no symptoms. HbSE is caused by genetic changes (DNA variants) in the HBB gene that cause it to not work correctly. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This condition is diagnosed based on a clinical exam, the symptoms, and through blood tests that look for specific types of hemoglobin. Genetic testing may also be helpful. Many people with HbSE do not need treatment, while others need management of their specific symptoms.[15570][15572][15574] 


Synonyms

  • Sickle cell-hemoglobin E disease syndrome
  • HbSE disease
  • Sickle cell - hemoglobin E disease

For more information, visit GARD.

National Organization for Rare Disorders