Influence of alpha thalassaemia on haematological parameters in Polynesian patients.

DNA mapping of the alpha globin gene cluster in cord blood from Polynesians has shown an increased frequency of alpha thalassaemia and triplicated alpha genes. Reduced levels of haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin or mean corpuscular volume in these neonates may indicate alpha thalassaemia. Recognition of this will avoid unnecessary haematological investigations and iron supplementation.

Alpha globin gene rearrangements in Polynesians are not associated with malaria.

Using gene mapping, 16.3% of Polynesians were shown to have alpha thalassemia. These results are surprising since malaria is not found in Polynesia. Moreover, triplicated alpha gene rearrangements were identified in a further 7.7%, a frequency not seen in other populations.