The Present and Future Global Burden of the Inherited Disorders of Hemoglobin

Abstract

The inherited disorders of hemoglobin represent the most common monogenic diseases. This article provides a brief description of the main inherited disorders of hemoglobin and their classification, and summarizes progress made in the last decade toward a better awareness and recognition of these disorders as a global health problem. Also presented are the main demographic, genetic, and environmental factors that influence the present and future health burden of these disorders. The strengths and limitations of existing estimates and current health policies in high-, low-, and middle-income countries are discussed.

Keywords: Consanguinity; Genetic disease; Human migrations; Malaria selection; Newborn screening; Public health; Sickle cell disease; Thalassemias.