Thalassemia (***)

RBC’s are:

Microcytic – abnormally small red blood cell. • Hypochromic – red blood cells are paler than normal. • Short Lived (~ 16 days) • These patients often require blood transfusions

β-thalassemia spectrum: (based on mutation severity)

• β-thalassemia minor (trait)

• β-thalassemia intermedia

• β-thalassemia major (Cooley anemia)

α-thalassemia spectrum: (based on number of α genes deleted)

• Silent carrier

• α-thalassemia trait (minor)

• Hemoglobin H disease

• Hydrops fetalis (most severe)