Prognostic Value of Fetal Hemoglobin Levels in Acquired Aplastic Anemia

Abstract

Total fetal hemoglobin values (milligrams of fetal hemoglobin per 100 ml of blood) were determined in 30 children with acquired aplastic anemia. Seventeen of 18 patients who died (95 per cent) had less than 400 mg per 100 ml of total fetal hemoglobin whereas 11 of 12 who are alive (92 per cent) and doing well had more than 400 mg per 100 ml of total fetal hemoglobin at the initial examination. The results suggest that the total fetal hemoglobin concentration may reflect the extent of injury to the bone marrow and may be of prognostic value in determining which patients with acquired aplastic anemia are likely to respond to treatment.