The occurrence of congenital hypoplastic anemia in half brothers

A family is reported in which four childrenof the same father and two unrelated mothers are affected with congenital hypoplastic anemia. This further supports an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance of this disorder. The father and the younger two siblings have elevated concentrations of hemoglobin F. If further family studies confirm this as a consistent expression of congenital hypoplastic anemia, it provides a good marker by which to gain more accurate data on which to base genetic counseling for patients affected by this disorder and their families.