Hgb E/B + Thalassemia

Also known as: hemoglobin E/beta thalassemia.

What is Hgb E/B + thalassemia?

Hemoglobin is the protein in the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Hemoglobin B and E are abnormal forms of hemoglobin. Thalassemia is a medical condition in which the body makes less hemoglobin than usual. It causes anemia.

What causes Hgb E/B + thalassemia?

Hemoglobin E or B and thalassemia are genetic disorders. A person can get the disease when one parent has the gene for hemoglobin E or B, and the other has the gene for thalassemia, and each parents passes their gene along to the child. This is a lifelong illness that can result in serious health problems.

What are the symptoms of Hgb E/B + thalassemia?

Possible symptoms of Hgb E/B + thalassemia include:

• anemia
• jaundice
• tiredness
• weakness
• pale skin
• poor appetite
• repeat infection
• abdominal swelling (liver or spleen)
• slow growth
• and other potential complications.

What are Hgb E/B + thalassemia care options?

People with Hgb E/B + thalassemia often require frequent blood transfusions in order to transport oxygen successfully throughout the body.

Reviewed by: Athena Pefkarou, MD

This page was last updated on: 9/9/2025 10:33:46 AM