Living with Acquired hemoglobin H disease
A blood condition in adults that combines a bone marrow disorder with a type of anemia called hemoglobin H disease.
Understanding Acquired hemoglobin H disease
It occurs with a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or more rarely a myeloproliferative disease, along with hemoglobin H disease. People can have anemia, easy bruising and bleeding, and tiredness. GARD lists onset as adult.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Anemia with small red blood cells
- Fatigue
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Low platelet count
- Low neutrophil count
- Shortness of breath
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in ATRX are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in the ATRX gene are listed. It is an acquired condition, meaning it develops during life.
Also known as: acquired haemoglobin h disease; acquired hbh disease; alpha-thalassemia myelodysplasia syndrome; alpha-thalassemia myelodysplasia syndrome, somatic; alpha-thalassemia-myelodysplastic syndrome; atmds
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Acquired hemoglobin H disease.
Explore research for Acquired hemoglobin H disease
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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