Patient Diagnosis: Beta Thalassemia Major

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 176 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Case Studies in Pediatric Hematology. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Case Studies in Pediatric Hematology (online CE course)
Patient Diagnosis: Beta Thalassemia Major

Thalassemia, the most common hemoglobinopathy, is a disorder in which the globin chain structure is normal but the amount of globin produced is decreased. Alpha and beta thalassemia are prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean region and are by far the most common types. Thalassemia is named for the globin chain that is decreased. In alpha thalassemias, alpha chain production is decreased. In beta thalassemias, beta chain production is decreased.
Most thalassemias result in microcytic hypochromic anemia. In addition, bone marrow RBC precursors are destroyed due to abnormal hemoglobins, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis. This destruction also occurs in the peripheral blood, resulting in hemolytic anemia. The severity of the anemia is dependent on how severely globin chain production is decreased.