The intricate interplay of anemia and iron overload under the pathophysiological umbrella of ineffective erythropoiesis in non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT) results in a complex variety of clinical phenotypes that are challenging to diagnose and manage. In this article, we use a clinical framework rooted in pathophysiology to present 4 common scenarios of patients with NTDT. Starting from practical considerations in the diagnosis of NTDT, we delineate our strategy for the longitudinal care of patients who exhibit different constellations of symptoms and complications. We highlight the use of transfusion therapy and novel agents, such as luspatercept, in the patient with anemia-related complications. We also describe our approach to chelation therapy in the patient with iron overload. Although tackling every specific complication of NTDT is beyond the scope of this article, we touch on the management of the various morbidities and multisystem manifestations of the disease.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10644094 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1182/blood.2023020683 | DOI Listing |
beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) is a worldwide hereditary red cell disorder characterized by severe chronic anemia. Recently, the pyruvate kinase (PK) activator mitapivat has been shown to improve anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis in a mouse model of beta-thal and in non-transfusion dependent thalassemic patients. Here, we showed that in vitro CD34+ derived erythroblasts from beta-thal (codb039) patients are characterized by persistent expression of two PK isoforms, PKR and PKM2, when compared to healthy cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHemoglobin
March 2025
Department of Pediatrics, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Micronutrient deficiencies pose significant long-term risks in non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) patients. Zinc deficiency can impair growth, cause atopic dermatitis, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, while vitamin D deficiency disrupts bone mineralization and metabolism. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of zinc and vitamin D deficiencies and investigate associated factors in pediatric to young adult NTDT patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: This study retrospectively analyzed the prognostic impact of transfusion burden in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS) and the outcomes of each treatment option.
Methods: Data on 168 patients with LR-MDS between July 2011 and April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Non-transfusion dependent (NTD) was defined as no transfusion history in a period of 16 weeks, low transfusion burden (LTB) as receiving 3 - 7 red blood cell (RBC) units in a period of 16 weeks, and high transfusion burden (HTB) as receiving ≥ 8 RBC units in a period of 16 weeks.
Clin Exp Pediatr
February 2025
Department of Pediatrics, IPGME&R, Kolkata, West Bengal, Kolkata, India.
Background: Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) inducers, among which hydroxyurea is the most extensively used, have shifted the paradigm toward the treatment of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Xmn1 polymorphism (rs7482144) is characterized by substitution (C>T) at -158 position of the γ-globin gene, which leads to CC, CT, or TT genotype. Recently, the role of the Xmn1 polymorphism as a modifier of hydroxyurea therapy has attracted immense research interest.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Hematol
April 2025
Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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