What characterizes the red blood cells in hemoglobin D disease?

In hemoglobin D disease, the red blood cells are primarily characterized by the presence of hemoglobin D, which is an abnormal form of hemoglobin. This disease results from a genetic mutation leading to the production of hemoglobin D instead of the normal hemoglobin A. Therefore, the majority of the hemoglobin within the red blood cells in individuals with this condition is Hb D.

This situation can impact erythrocyte function and may lead to symptoms similar to those observed in other hemoglobinopathies, but the defining feature remains the predominance of hemoglobin D in the red blood cells. The presence of Hb D is critical for diagnosis and understanding the pathophysiology of the disease, differentiating it from other types of hemoglobin disorders.