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Abstract The thalassemias are hereditary hemolytic anemias characterized by reduced or absent synthesis of one or more of the globin chains of hemoglobin leading to globin chain imbalance The most important forms of thalassemia result from autosomal mutant genes that reduce the rate of synthesis of ? and ? chains of Hb A, designated ? and ? thalassemia respectively In Egypt, ?-thalassemia is the commonest form of chronic hemolytic anemia among Egyptian children. Life long red blood cell transfusion remains the main treatment for severe thalassemia. It is well known that alloimmunization to red blood cell antigens resulting from the genetic disparity between donor and recipient is one of the risks of blood transfusion that result in resistance to transfusion therapy. |