nutch_noindex
Search Icon
    Menu Button
    Stanford Children's Health
    DonateContactMyChart LoginFind a Doctor
    • Second Opinion
    • Donate
    • Contact
    • Refer a Patient
    • En Español
    • Our Locations
    • Medical Services
    • About Us
    • Research & Innovation
    • Patients & Visitors
    • For Health Professionals
    • Second Opinion
    • Donate
    • En Español
    • MyChart Login
    • Recently Visited
      • Our Locations
      • Medical Services
      • About Us
      • Research & Innovation
      • Patients & Visitors
      • For Health Professionals
      CANCEL
      • View More Results

      Loading...

      COVID-2019 Alert

      Information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Read the latest >

      Información sobre el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Aprenda más >

      /nutch_noindex

       


      Hemoglobin C Disease in Children

      What is hemoglobin C disease in children?

      Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs. Hemoglobin C disease is caused by abnormal hemoglobin.

      What causes hemoglobin C disease in a child?

      Hemoglobin C disease is inherited. This means it is passed down from parents to children. 

      A person may be a carrier, called hemoglobin C trait. They have no symptoms. Or a person may have hemoglobin C disease. Those with the disease may or may not have symptoms.

      A baby born to parents who each carry the trait has a 1 in 4 chance of having hemoglobin C disease.

      In the U.S., hemoglobin C is most common in African-Americans. People of Caribbean, Italian, and Greek descent also have a higher risk.

      What are the symptoms of hemoglobin C disease in a child?

      Most people with hemoglobin C disease don't have symptoms. But they can have low red blood counts or anemia. This can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin and other symptoms.

      For those with hemoglobin C who have symptoms, they may include:

      • Enlarged spleen

      • Gallstones

      • Episodes of joint pain

      • Increased risk for infection

      How is hemoglobin C disease diagnosed in a child?

      The disorder is often found during newborn screening blood tests. Blood tests for hemoglobin C disease include:

      • Complete blood count (CBC).A complete blood count checks the red and white blood cells, blood clotting cells (platelets), and sometimes, young red blood cells (reticulocytes). It includes hemoglobin and hematocrit and details about the red blood cells.

      • Peripheral smear.A small sample of blood is checked under a microscope to see if the cells look normal.

      • Hemoglobin electrophoresis. This test measures the different types of hemoglobin.

      How is hemoglobin C disease treated in a child?

      Hemoglobin C disease is a chronic condition, but it often doesn't need any treatment. The anemia that develops is mild and rarely interferes with everyday life. Neither children nor adults need any special therapy, vitamins, or iron supplements to treat hemoglobin C disease.

      What are possible complications of hemoglobin C disease in a child?

      Hemoglobin C disease usually requires no special medical attention. Sometimes complications can develop, including:

      • Anemia that requires treatment

      • Infections

      • Enlarged spleen

      • Gallstones

      • Vision problems due to changes in the retina 

      When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

      Call your child's healthcare provider if you or your child has:

      • Frequent or lasting infections

      • Symptoms of gallstones such as pain in the upper abdomen or back, especially after eating

      Key points about hemoglobin C disease in children

      • Children with hemoglobin C disease usually do not have symptoms. If they do, they may have mild anemia.

      • Treatment is usually not needed.

      • Although complications are not common, they can occur.

      Next steps

      Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

      • Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

      • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

      • At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

      • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

      • Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

      • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

      • Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

      • If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

      • Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

      Related Topics

      • Neurological Exam for Children
      • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

      Related Links

      • Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases
      • Pediatric Cancer
      • Pediatric Hematology
      nutch_noindex
      • About Us
      • Contact
      • MyChart Login
      • Careers
      • Blog
      • Refer a Patient
      • Download from App Store Download From Google Play
      • Notice of Nondiscrimination
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy
      • Code of Conduct

      © 2021 Stanford Children's Health

      About

      • About Us
      • Our Hospital
      • Patient Stories
      • Blog
      • News
      • Send a Greeting Card
      • New Hospital
      • Careers

      Connect

      • Donate
      • Refer a Patient
      • Contact Us
      • Pay Your Bill

      Find

      • Doctors
      • Locations
      • Services
      • Classes
      Download from App Store Download From Google Play

      Also Find Us on:

      • facebook
      • twitter
      • youtube
      • linkedin
      US News & World Report Badge
      • Stanford Medicine
      • Stanford University
      • Stanford Health Care
      • Lucile Packard Foundation
      • Notice of Nondiscrimination
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy
      • Code of Conduct
      • © 2021 Stanford Children's Health
      /nutch_noindex