MedGen

Classic hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) is characterized by a substantial elevation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in adult red blood cells. There are no other phenotypic or hematologic manifestations. Expression of the HBG1 and HBG2 genes, which encode the gamma isoforms of HbF, is normally suppressed shortly before birth and replaced by expression of the beta- (HBB; 141900) or delta- (HBD; 142000) chains, which form adult hemoglobin. Adults normally have less than 1% HbF, whereas heterozygotes for HPFH have 5 to 30% HbF. HPFH heterozygotes have essentially normal red cell indices and a rather homogeneous distribution of HbF among red cells, termed 'pancellular.' Homozygotes for HPFH can express HbF in up to 100% of red blood cells (Thein and Craig, 1998). Delta-beta thalassemia is a hemoglobin disorder characterized by decreased or absent synthesis of the delta- and beta-globin chains with a compensatory increase in expression of fetal gamma-chain synthesis from the affected chromosome. Individuals with delta-beta thalassemia have hypochromic, microcytic anemia and increased HbF, which may mitigate the anemia depending on the level of HbF. Delta-beta thalassemia and some forms of HPFH result from deletions within the beta-globin gene cluster on chromosome 11p15; this has been referred to as 'deletional' HPFH. HPFH can also result from point mutations in the promoter regions of the gamma globulin genes HBG1 and HBG2; this has been referred to as 'non-deletional' HPFH (Ottolenghi et al., 1982; Forget, 1998). Forget (1998) noted that HPFH and delta-beta thalassemia are not clearly distinct disorders, but rather show partially overlapping features that may defy classification. Higher expression of HbF is often termed 'pancellular,' whereas lower expression of HbF is often termed 'heterocellular,' although these represent a spectrum. Approximately 10% of the population has HPFH manifest as modest elevations of HbF (1 to 4%) present in a subset of red cells (about 4.5%) termed F cells. This is also sometimes referred to as 'heterocellular' HPFH, and is considered to be a multifactorial trait influenced by multiple genetic loci (Thein and Craig, 1998). [from OMIM]

The phenotype of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) occurs along a continuum. Individuals with the severe early-onset form, infantile neurovisceral ASMD, were historically diagnosed with Niemann-Pick disease type A (NPD-A). The later-onset, chronic visceral form of ASMD is also referred to as Niemann-Pick disease type B (NPD-B). A phenotype with intermediate severity is also known as chronic neurovisceral ASMD (NPD-A/B). The most common presenting symptom in NPD-A is hepatosplenomegaly, usually detectable by age three months; over time the liver and spleen become massive in size. Psychomotor development progresses no further than the 12-month level, after which neurologic deterioration is relentless. Failure to thrive typically becomes evident by the second year of life. A classic cherry-red spot of the macula of the retina, which may not be present in the first few months, is eventually present in all affected children. Interstitial lung disease caused by storage of sphingomyelin in pulmonary macrophages results in frequent respiratory infections and often respiratory failure. Most children succumb before the third year of life. NPD-B generally presents later than NPD-A, and the manifestations are less severe. NPD-B is characterized by progressive hepatosplenomegaly, gradual deterioration in liver and pulmonary function, osteopenia, and atherogenic lipid profile. No central nervous system (CNS) manifestations occur. Individuals with NPD-A/B have symptoms that are intermediate between NPD-A and NPD-B. The presentation in individuals with NPD-A/B varies greatly, although all are characterized by the presence of some CNS manifestations. Survival to adulthood can occur in individuals with NPD-B and NPD-A/B. [from GeneReviews]

Hemoglobin F (HbF) contains two globin alpha chains and two globin gamma chains. It is the main form of hemoglobin in the fetus during the last seven months of intrauterine development and in the half year of postnatal life. In adults it normally makes up less than one percent of all hemoglobin. This term refers to an increase in HbF above this limit. In beta thalassemia major, it may represent over 90 percent of all hemoglobin, and in beta thalassemia minor it may make up between 0.5 to 4 percent. [from HPO]

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels vary considerably in healthy normal adults. The distribution of HbF and F cells, erythrocytes that contain measurable HbF, in healthy adults is continuous, although most adults have HbF of less than 0.6% of total Hb. Approximately 10 to 15% of individuals have increases of HbF ranging from 0.8% to 5%, a trait often referred to as hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), usually distributed unevenly among red cells. When coinherited with beta-thalassemia (see 613985) or sickle cell anemia (603903), HPFH can increase HbF output to levels that are clinically beneficial (Thein et al., 2007). For a general phenotypic description and a discussion of loci that may affect fetal hemoglobin levels, see HBFQTL1 (141749). [from OMIM]