ISSN: 2578-501X
Authors: Dibyajyoti S*
Thalassemias are the most common mono genetic disease worldwide. It has high frequency extending from the Mediterranean basin through the Middle East (Iran), India and Southeast Asia [1]. In India, the carrier rate of Beta Thalassemia varies from 3-17% [2]. There is complete or partial defect in synthesis of alpha or beta globin chain synthesis, accordingly named alpha or beta Thalassemia. β Thalassemia may be classified in to 4 categories. 1) Thalassemia major, Thalassemia intermedia, Thalassemia minor (trait), silent carrier. Thalassemia major patients usually present early and are transfusion dependent. Patients with β Thalassemia trait (Thalassemia minor) have elevated hemoglobin A2 on hemoglobin electrophoresis as well as mild anemia and microcytosis. They do not require red cell transfusion. Patients with β Thalassemia intermedia presents late with variable levels of anemia and is of the NonTransfusion-Dependent-Thalassemia (NTDT) phenotype. Due to the severity of their anemia or complications of their disease some patients will go on to chronic transfusions. Thalassemia carriers are asymptomatic & usually have no hematologic abnormalities.
Keywords: Thalassemia; Electrophoresis; Alloimmunisation
