Abnormal hemoglobins in Surinam: I. frequency among the different ethnic groups

ABSTRACT

In this paper, after a review of the literature dealing with abnormal hemoglobins in Surinam, two research projects on this genetic disorder are described. First, the results are given of a project screening the three major ethnic groups Negroes, East-indians and Javanese. Second, the preliminary results of a survey among women attending the Government hospitals for delivery are mentioned. Also the results on a number of babies are presented.The sickle cell gene is the most frequent one in the negroid groups and is also found in all other groups. Other abnormal hemoglobins encountered are HbC, which is so far only demonstrated in the negroid groups, and HbE, present in every group, but mainly in Javanese.(AU)