hemoglobin C

Hemoglobin C (Hb C) is a variant form of hemoglobin found in red blood cells, which can lead to a hemoglobinopathy. This condition is relatively common among certain populations, particularly African blacks. When an individual inherits the Hb C gene from both parents, they can develop Hemoglobin C disease. This disease typically causes milder symptoms than sickle-cell anemia, including vague pain, jaundice, an enlarged spleen, and moderate anemia. However, individuals with Hb C disease generally have a normal lifespan.1

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. It consists of four heme groups, each with an iron atom that binds oxygen, surrounding a globin group. Variant hemoglobins, like Hb C, arise from genetic mutations and can affect the protein's function.21