Non-transfusion Dependent Thalassemias: A Developing Country Perspective

Title:Non-transfusion Dependent Thalassemias: A Developing Country Perspective

Volume: 11 Issue: 2

Author(s): Somnath Mukherjee, Rashmi R. Das and Babita Raghuwanshi

Affiliation:

Keywords: β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobinopathy, hepcidin, ineffective erythropoiesis, iron chelators.

Abstract: Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias (NTDT) encompass a group of hereditary chronic hemolytic anemia, which, as the name indicates, not require regular blood transfusion for survival. These include β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin E/-thalassemia, and Hemoglobin H disease (- thalassemia intermedia). Individuals with structural variant of hemoglobin especially Hemoglobin S and Hemoglobin C associated with “α” or “β” thalassemia in heterozygous condition may also present with similar features of NTDT. NTDT patients are not immune to the development of transfusion unrelated complications in the long run. These hereditary chronic hemolytic anemias are still under-recognized in developing countries like India, where the disease burden might be high causing significant morbidity. The pathophysiologic hallmark that characterizes this group of disorders (ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis, chronic anemia) leads to a number of serious complications, similar to transfusion dependent thalassemia. So, timely diagnosis and institution of appropriate preventive/remedial measures as well as education of patient population can help decrease the morbidity to a significant extent. In the present review, focus will be on the pathophysiological mechanisms and available management options of NTDT from a developing country perspective like India.

Cite this article as:

Mukherjee Somnath, R. Das Rashmi and Raghuwanshi Babita, Non-transfusion Dependent Thalassemias: A Developing Country Perspective, Current Pediatric Reviews 2015; 11 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573396311666150702104822