Two unstable beta chain variants associated with beta-thalassemia: Hb Miami [beta116(G18)his-->Pro], and Hb Hershey [beta70(E14)Ala-->Gly], and a second unstable Hb variant at 170: Hb Abington [beta70(E14)Ala-->Pro].

We report on three previously undescribed unstable hemoglobin (Hb) variants: Hb Miami, Hb Hershey and Hb Abington. Hb Miami was associated with a beta(+)-thalassemia (thal) mutation [IVS-I-110 (G-->A)], whereas Hb Hershey was associated with a B0-thal mutation [IVS-I-1 (G-->A)]. Hb Hershey also has decreased oxygen affinity. These three Hb variants illustrate the range of clinical severity that can be seen with unstable Hb variants, particularly when combined with a thalassemic mutation.