CURRENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR THALASSEMIA MAJOR AND THALASSEMIA MINOR
Keywords:
Thalassemia major, thalassemia minor, hemoglobinopathies, blood transfusion, iron chelation, gene therapy, bone marrow transplant, genetic counseling, beta-thalassemiaAbstract
Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by reduced or absent synthesis of one or more of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin. Thalassemia major and thalassemia minor represent the severe and mild ends of the clinical spectrum, respectively. While thalassemia major demands lifelong medical management, including regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, thalassemia minor is typically asymptomatic and may require minimal clinical intervention. Advances in diagnostics, treatment protocols, and supportive care have significantly improved patient outcomes. This article reviews the current management strategies for both thalassemia major and minor, highlighting differences in clinical approach, the role of genetic counseling, and future directions in curative therapies such as bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy.
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