Defective mRNA levels are responsible for a beta-thalassemia phenotype associated with Hb Federico II, a novel hemoglobin variant [beta-106 (G8) Leu->Val].

| 1096 | haematologica | 2008; 93(7) In conclusion, in never or minimally transfused patients with thalassemia intermedia we found no evidence of cardiac iron overload, while there may be significant hepatic iron accumulation. However, since cardiac MRI has not been routinely used in TI, further studies and longer follow-up are needed to understand if and when detectable cardiac iron deposition can occur. Therefore, all patients with TI, and especially those who do receive occasional transfusions, should be evaluated regularly for cardiac and liver iron overload.