A Case of Abnormal Hemoglobinopathy (Hb Hamadan) in Siblings Found by Low Hb A_1c Level in Health Examination for Adult Disease in Childhood

Abstract

A 13-year-old girl with hemoglobin (Hb) Hamadan was found in routine examination for adult disease in childhood because of her low Hb A_1c level. Abnormal Hb was detected using HPLC and cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis. In further analysis of abnormal Hb, the 56th amino acid of the β-chain was found to be arginine instead of glycine. Her elder brother also had the same abnormal hemoglobinopathy. Although hemoglobin Hamadan is one of the asymptomatic hemoglobinopathies, the incidence of this disease has been increasing recently. Recognition and frequent employment of Hb A_1c measurement as a useful tool for patient care of diabetes mellitus is thought to be the reason for this increase.