Thalassemia can be classified phenotypically by transfusion needs
Thalassemia is a blood disorder with a highly varied clinical presentation1,2
It can be classified based on genetics, as well as transfusion needs that can change over time.3
Non–transfusion-dependent4
Patients who do not require lifelong regular transfusions for survival
These patients may need transfusions:
- Occasionally (eg, surgery, pregnancy, infection)
- Frequently (for a defined period, eg, poor growth, specific morbidities)
- Classification as α- or β-thalassemia depends on the affected globin gene(s)2
- α- and β-thalassemia can also be described as trait or minor, intermedia, or major, depending on the number of genes affected and the types of mutations5
Transfusion-dependent4
Patients who require regular blood transfusions to survive
- Classification as α- or β-thalassemia depends on the affected globin gene(s)2
- α- and β-thalassemia can also be described as trait or minor, intermedia, or major, depending on the number of genes affected and the types of mutations5
NTD and TD patients, regardless of whether they have alpha- or beta-thalassemia, may be negatively impacted and could require supportive therapies like iron chelation or splenectomy, in addition to transfusions.1,2,4
Get a closer look at what triggers chronic anemia and other complications in thalassemia
Thalassemia PathophysiologyStay up to date with the latest on thalassemia care for your patients and practice
Connect With UsReferences:
1. Amid A et al, eds. Guidelines for the Management of α-Thalassaemia. Thalassaemia International Federation; 2023. 2. Cappellini MD et al, eds. 2021 Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia (TDT). 4th ed. Thalassaemia International Federation; 2023. 3. Taher AT et al, eds. Guidelines for the Management of Non Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia (NTDT). 2nd ed. Thalassaemia International Federation; 2017. TIF publication no. 22. 4. Taher AT et al. Guidelines for the Management of Non–Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassaemia. 3rd ed. Thalassaemia International Federation; 2023. 5. Thalassemia. Mayo Clinic. November 17, 2021. Accessed December 20, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thalassemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354995