[The detection of beta-thalassemia minor (author's transl)].

A statistical analysis was done on the levels of Hb A2 and Hb F in 1 340 normal subjects and 356 subjects heterozygous for beta-thalassemia. This study revealed that both groups had a normal distribution of Hb A2 and a gaussologarithmic distribution of Hb F. The plotted curves show an overlapping zone between the two populations.

[Hemoglobin D Punjab. Apropos of 2 families].

Two families who are carriers of hemoglobin DPunjab in the heterozygous state are described. This is the first time hemoglobin DPunjab has been reported in Switzerland. The propositus of the first family had two periods of acute hemolysis, probably drug-induced, which were followed by reversible renal complications and which led to the discovery of the hemoglobin.

Hereditary myeloperoxidase deficiency.

The functional properties of granulocytes in a diabetic patient deficient in myeloperoxidase (MPO) were compared with those of granulocytes in healthy subjects. The granulocytes of this patient had normal phagocytic activity. The microbicidal activity of the granulocytes was partially diminished with regard to Staphylococcus aureus and was almost nil with regard to Candida albicans.

[Haemoglobinosis C/beta-thalassemia double heterozygosity in an Algerian patient with total suppression of haemoglobin A synthesis (author's transl)].

The authors describe the case of a young Algerian, aged 32, suffering from mild icterus, accompanied by a marked splenomegaly. The blood count revealed a moderate degree of anaemia with reticulocytosis, pronounced anisocytosis, micro-spherocytes, bulls eye cells, folded cells, hypochrome cells, a marked polychromasia and a mild erythroblastosis. Present also were hyperbilirubinaemia, raised plasma haemoglobin, zero haptoglobin, a reduced osmotic fragility and half-life of erythrocytes.