Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin
A person with beta thalassemia majorly require periodic and lifelong blood transfusions to maintain a hemoglobin level higher than 9.5 g per dL (95 g per L) and sustain normal growth.
Individuals with beta thalassemia major usually present within the first two years of life with severe anemia, poor growth, and skeletal abnormalities during infancy. Untreated thalassemia major eventually leads to death, usually by heart failure; therefore, birth screening is very important.
