Beta Thalassemia Questions & Answers

Updated: Aug 19, 2022
  • Author: Pooja Advani, MD; Chief Editor: Emmanuel C Besa, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are beta thalassemia syndromes?

What are the possible complications of beta thalassemia?

What is the role of genetics in the etiology of beta thalassemia?

How does fetal Hb affect the severity of beta thalassemia?

How does alpha thalassemia affect the severity of beta thalassemia?

What is the role of a sickle cell trait in the pathophysiology of beta thalassemia?

What are the racial predilections of beta thalassemia?

What is the global prevalence of beta thalassemia?

What is the geographic distribution of genetic mutations causing beta thalassemia?

At what age does beta thalassemia typically present?

What is the prognosis of beta thalassemia?

What is the mortality and morbidity of beta thalassemia?

What is included in patient education about beta thalassemia?

Presentation

Which physical findings are characteristic of beta thalassemia?

DDX

How is beta thalassemia differentiated from other causes of anemia?

How is alpha thalassemia differentiated from beta thalassemia?

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of beta thalassemia?

What are the differential diagnoses for Beta Thalassemia?

Workup

How is beta thalassemia diagnosed?

What is the role of lab tests in the workup of beta thalassemia?

How is beta thalassemia diagnosed prenatally?

Treatment

How is thalassemia minor treated?

How is thalassemia major treated?

Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of beta thalassemia?

What is the role of gene therapy in the treatment of beta thalassemia?

What is the role of splenectomy in the treatment of beta thalassemia?

What is the role of cholecystectomy in the treatment of beta thalassemia?

What is the focus of gene therapy research for the treatment of beta thalassemia?

What is the focus of investigational treatments for beta thalassemia?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of beta thalassemia?

Which medications in the drug class Chelating Agents are used in the treatment of Beta Thalassemia?

Which medications in the drug class Gene Therapy, Hematologics are used in the treatment of Beta Thalassemia?