The anemia in hemoglobin C disease is classified as hemolytic, because it is caused by the destruction of red blood cells. An enlarged spleen, and sometimes jaundice, may also occur. Some persons with this disease may develop gallstones that require treatment. Continued hemolysis may produce pigmented gallstones, an unusual type of gallstone composed of the dark-colored contents of red blood cells. Red blood cell abnormalities
The red blood cells of people with hemoglobin C disease are usually abnormally small (microcytic) with a high mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The high MCHC is caused by a decreased concentration of water inside the cells. Target cells, microspherocytes, and HbC crystals can be seen on microscopic examination of blood smears from homozygous patients. Combinations with other conditions
HbC can combine with other abnormal hemoglobins and cause serious hemoglobinopathies. Individuals with sickle cell–hemoglobin C (HbSC), have inherited the gene for sickle cell disease (HbS) from one parent and the gene for hemoglobin C disease (HbC) from the other parent. Since HbC does not polymerize as readily as HbS, there is less sickling in most cases. There are fewer acute vaso-occlusive events and therefore in some cases fewer sickle cell crises. The peripheral smear demonstrates mostly target cells, occasional hemoglobin C crystals, and only a few sickle cells. However, persons with hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC) have more significant retinopathy, ischemic necrosis of bone, and priapism than those with pure SS disease.There are also a few cases of HbC in combination with HbO, HbD and beta thalassemia.
The combination drug acetylsalicylic acid/dipyridamole (trade names Aggrenox, Asasantin) is a drug combination of:
Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) - An extremely common NSAID that has anticoagulant effects
Dipyridamole, a drug that inhibits platelet activation when given chronically and causes vasodilation when given at high doses over short time.The combination acts as an extended release formulation and is primarily used for platelet inhibition in patients suffering, or at risk from, acute coronary events and stroke. Its use has been shown to be better than the use of either dipyridamole or aspirin alone. == References ==