Starch gel (both at pH 8.6 and pH 7) and agar gel (pH 6.45) hemoglobin electrophoresis were carried out on the cord blood of 1100 full term babies. Trace amounts (not measurable by column chromatography) of Bart’s hemoglobin were shown in 795 (72.3%) of the specimens; there was more than a trace (2 to 8.8%) in 15 (1.36%) of the babies. Trace amounts of Hb A₂ were also shown by starch gel electrophoresis in 10 cord bloods with trace Bart’s hemoglobin. In two cases with anencephaly Hb A₂ was found to be elevated (2.8 and 1.3% respectively).

Although cord hemoglobin levels were found to be insignificantly decreased, the MCV and MCHb values of the babies with elevated Hb Bart’s were found to be significantly lower than those of the babies without Hb Bart’s or with trace amounts. The follow-up studies and the hematological evaluation of their parents are presented in detail.

Keywords: alpha-thalassemia, Hb Bart's in the newborn