The haematological indices of cord bloods from 430 South African Negro babies were determined by electronic cell counting and their haemoglobin (Hb) patterns examined by alkaline cellulose acetate electrophoresis. A fast-moving, anodal band, identified as Hb Bart’s, was found in 7 (l,6%) of the specimens, this being the lowest incidence of the variant yet found in an indigenous African population. The levels of Hb Bart’s ranged from 1.3 to 5.5% of the haemoglobin. These findings were confirmed by alkaline-starch gel electrophoresis and at the same time absence of the slow-moving haemoglobin, Hb Constant Spring was established. Subsequent follow-up of 4 of the infants at 4 months of postnatal life showed that the abnormal component had disappeared. The babies with Hb Bart’s had a marked microcytosis and low mean corpuscular haemoglobin levels whilst their parents showed no haematological or electrophoretic signs of α-thalassaemia. The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of previously reported studies on various Negro groups.

Keywords:
Haemoglobin Bart’s, α-Thalassaemia, Neonatal microcytosis
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© 1979 S. Karger AG, Basel
1979
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