Does elevated hemoglobin F modulate the phenotype in Hb SD-Los Angeles?

Hemoglobin (Hb) SD-Los Angeles compound heterozygotes usually have a severe clinical course although the effect of an elevated Hb F on the clinical phenotype has not been reported previously. We describe 5 Kuwaiti children with Hb SD associated with Hb F levels >20%. They all presented with sickling-related symptoms by < or =2 years of age and have been followed for 3-15 years.

Ten-year review of hospital admissions among children with sickle cell disease in Kuwait.

Objective: This study was designed to document the common causes and patterns of hospitalization among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in Kuwait.

Subjects And Methods: The case files of all SCD patients admitted to the hospital between 1995 and 2004 were studied. Their personal data, hemoglobin genotype, diagnosis on admission, complete blood count, treatment received, length of stay and outcome were documented.