Major thalassemia and pregnancy

Abstract

• β-thalassemia (Cooley anemia) initially was described by Dr Cooley.^[1] It is recognized that various types of thalassemia are inherited anemia caused by mutations at the globin gene, affecting the production of É‘- or β-globin protein. The anemia interferes with red cell maturation.^[2] β-globin gene mutations give rise to β-thalassemia.^[3] Patients have abnormal growth, altered pubertal development, and immune function and deficits in bone mineral acquisition.^[4] Thalassemia major (TM) refers to a disease requiring more than eight red blood cell transfusions per year. The combination of early diagnosis, improvements in monitoring for organ complications, and advances in supportive care, however, have enabled many patients who have severe thalassemia syndromes to live productive and active lives well into adulthood.^[3]...