Beta (β) thalassemia

• Facts:
  Microcytic anemia non-responsive to iron supplementation
  
  Point mutation in one or both copies of beta hemoglobin gene
  
  Reduced hemoglobin synthesis , leading to hypochromic microcytic anemia
• Notes:
  β thalassemia minor (defect in one gene)
  
  Modest anemia, hematocrit between 28 – 40 %
  
  MCV between 55 fL and 75 fL

  β thalassemia major (defect in both genes)
  
  Severe anemia
  
  Transfusions at an early age

• Associated With:
  People of Mediterranean origin
• Differential Diagnosis:
  Iron deficiency anemia ( MCV > 20 )