I enjoyed reading Bilgen et al.’s case report, The effect of HBB: (c*+96T>C (3’UTR+1570 T>C) on the mild β-thalassemia intermedia pheonotype, in the recent issue of the Journal (2011; 28: 219-222). I congratulate the authors for exploring at the molecular level at least one of the thalassemia minima that fits well with the present clinical thalassemia nomenclature. Based on their clinical descr...

The hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) and delta beta thalassemia are heterogeneous disorders characterised by increased levels of fetal hemoglobin and high level of this Hb continues in adulthood. The distinction between these two conditions is not always possible with routine hematologic analysis and molecular characterisation of the defect is required. We encountered such a ra...

As the life expectancy of β-thalassemia patients has markedly improved over the last decade, several new complications are being recognized. The presence of a high incidence of thromboembolic events, mainly in thalassemia intermedia patients, has led to the identification of a hypercoagulable state in thalassemia. In this review, the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to hypercoagulabili...

Increased HbA2 is a characteristic finding in minor beta thalassemia. Minor β-thalassemia is a heterozygote form of β-thalassemia that carries thalassemia genes but does not cause thalassemia disease. Diagnosis of carriers is done by CBC, RBC Index, and HbA2 test. Very few cases of people with minorthalassemia have a normal HbA2. According to the results of this pilot study it seams that percen...

which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Hematological malignancies complicating β-thalassemia syndromes: a single center experience TO THE EDITOR: Only few reports have addressed the occurrence of hematological malignancies in patients suffering from β-thalassemia. We herein report two patients wi...

Hydroxyurea (HU) has been successfully used in patients with β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI). We aimed to evaluate the effect of the long-term use of HU on thyroid function in patients with β-TI. Seventy-five patients with β-TI aged≥11 years and taking HU were randomly selected during 2010 in southern Iran. Thirty-one patients with β-TI without HU were considered as a control group. Serum level...