Beta thalassaemia

Beta-thalassemia (BT) is a haemoglobinopathy characterised by deficiency (Beta+) or absence (Beta0) of synthesis of the beta globin chains of haemoglobin (Hb). Three main types of BT have been described: minor, intermedia and major with clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic forms to microcytic anaemia and splenomegaly due to defective erythropoiesis and haemolysis.