foetal haemoglobin
Last reviewed 01/2018
Various compounds e.g. hydroxycarbamide and butyrate derivatives, have been shown to stimulate the transcription of the fetal globin genes in patients with beta-thalassaemia:
- disadvantages - at present it is unclear whether the extremely high blood concentrations required might have deleterious side effects if maintained for long periods.
- important findings - proves that the fetal haemoglobin genes can be reactivated after birth.