Combination of a triple alpha-globin gene with beta-thalassemia in a gypsy family: importance of the genetic testing in the diagnosis and search for a donor for bone marrow transplantation for one of their children

BACKGROUND: The simultaneous presence of a heterozygous β-thalassemia with α-gene triplication may cause anything from a thalassemia trait to thalassemia intermedia of mild to moderate severity. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-month-old ethnic Gypsy male infant with failure to thrive from birth, mild jaundice and splenomegaly. Clinical signs were compatible with severe microcytic anemia requiring bi-monthly blood transfusions. The β-thalassemia gene analysis found homozygous mutation IVS-I-110 (G>A) (c.93-21G>A) in intron 1 of the hemoglobin beta globin gene and a non-pathogenic sequence variant (single nucleotide polimorfism (SNP) Rs1609812). In addition, the patient had α gene triplication (ααα(anti 3.7)/αα) caused by double heterozygosity for a 3.7 kb fragment that contained only the hemoglobin alpha globin gene-2 gene. This finding led to screening and follow up in first-degree relatives, twin brothers and a sister and parents to provide them with appropriate genetic counseling. Nowadays, new horizons could open a new therapeutic management until definitive cure of these diseases through gene therapy or mutation-specific genome editing. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic testing can provide an early diagnosis and facilitates the search for a suitable donor for transplantation.