The thalassemias are a group of genetic disorders of hemoglobin synthesis
characteized by a reduced rate of production of one or more of the globin chains of
hemaglobin.
The thalassemias are classified into two main varieties, α-and β-, depending on
which of the adult globin chain is produced in reduced amounts. The types of α
-thalassemia of clinical importance are the Hb Barts hydrops syndrome and Hb disease,
while the β-thalassmia, which produce a variable degree of anemia, are the
homozygous and heterozygous state. They are common in the Medeterranean region, the
Middle East, India and pakistan, and throughout south East Asia.
Homozygous beta thalassemia(Cooley's anemia) is usually associated with severe
anemia. Beta thalassemia minor, the heterozygous state, is most frequently characterizd
by hypochromia, microcytosis and an elevated percentage of humoglobin A₂.
We experienced the 2nd case of β-thalassemia minor in korea with symptomatic 40
-year-old Woman at Han Yan University Hospital.
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