Alpha-Thalassaemia — Research Summary
Printed from RareWays (rareways.com.au) on 5 April 2026
For general awareness only. Not medical advice. Discuss all care options with your healthcare team.
5 Most Recent Research Articles
- 1.
Hb Thessaloniki, a Novel, Hyperunstable, Alpha Globin Variant Detected in Northern Greece.
Boutou Effrossyni et al. — Hematology reports (26 February 2026)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41874100/
- 2.
Familial erythrocytosis and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with different defects in alpha globin genes: a significant new case of Hb Wroclaw (α88(F9) Ala>Glu;
Carrai Valentina et al. — Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine (24 February 2026)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41622866/
- 3.
Novel serum autoantibodies against alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked, a component of promyelocytic leukaemia nuclear bodies, in dermatomyositis.
Yamashita Yuta et al. — Rheumatology (Oxford, England) (4 February 2026)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41206654/
- 4.
Clinical implications of expanded carrier screening for pregnancy-related care and individual health.
Gemmell Laura C et al. — Fertility and sterility (1 February 2026)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40865753/
- 5.
Diagnostic Limitations of Hemoglobin A1c in the Setting of Compound Hemoglobinopathy: A Case Report of Sickle Cell Disease, Alpha Thalassemia, and Occult Diabetes.
Toperzer Katie et al. — Cureus (1 January 2026)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41694981/
Clinical Trials — Australian Sites
Ask your doctor whether you or your child may be eligible for any of these trials.
- 1.
Prospective Observational Cohort Study of Fetal Atrial Flutter & Supraventricular Tachycardia
Completed — Edgar Jaeggi
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03376438
- 2.
A Study of AK104 in Combination With Chiauranib in Patients With Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Completed — Phase 1 — Akeso
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05505825
Source: RareWays research directory. Data from PubMed, Europe PMC, OpenAlex, ClinicalTrials.gov.
Always verify information with your healthcare team before making any decisions about your care.
Alpha-Thalassaemia
Alpha-Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by mutations in the alpha-globin genes, resulting in reduced or absent production of haemoglobin alpha chains. It has high prevalence in Southeast Asian and Mediterranean communities in Australia. Severity ranges from silent carrier status to severe haemolytic anaemia (HbH disease) and the life-threatening Haemoglobin Barts hydrops fetalis.
Most Recent Research
Background: Haemoglobinopathies are the most common monogenic disorders both in Greece and worldwide. The most effective strategies against them are carrier detection and prenatal testing following genetic risk assessment consultation for couples on the likelihood of their offspring being affected. Case Presentation: A novel alpha globin chain variant, named Hb Thessaloniki, was detected in Northern Greece. The underlying point variation HBA1:c.260T>C (ref. seq. NM_000558.5) was detected in the HBA1 gene, in heterozygosity, during a routinely performed population screening for haemoglobinopathies. The amino-acid residue Leu86 was replaced by a structure disrupting Pro residue, resulting in a hyperunstable product as shown by the isopropanol test and predicted by the Dynamut2 and Alphafold3 algorithms. The haematological phenotype, due to which genetic analysis was performed, presented with mild microcytosis and hypochromia and was also indicative of the presence of an unstable haemoglobin produced in small quantities (variant encoded by HBA1). Since the proband's partner presented with a normal haematological phenotype, there is no risk of the couple giving birth to an affected offspring. Expanded analysis of the proband's relatives identified biallelic variants (αParmaα/ααΤhessaloniki) in the proband's mother, who presented with no apparent clinical findings, expect for slightly reduced haematological indices. Conclusions: The novel Hb Thessaloniki identified, although theoretically hyperunstable, seems to have minor effects on erythrocyte function, as indicated by haematological findings on the proband and his close relatives. Future identification of co-inheritance with HBA pathogenic point variations or deletions may provide further information regarding genetic counselling. In parallel, the usage of structure-function relation-calculating algorithms may enhance our prediction capability for novel variants.
This information is for general awareness only.
For guidance specific to your situation, please speak with your healthcare team.