Difficulties in diagnosing thalassemia minor

Abstract

Here we outline a practical approach to the detection of thalassemias in some clinical settings. Any patient with a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) with or without anemia or a neonatal screening result indicating possible presence of thalassemia minor needs evaluation by a hematologist. But sometimes it is difficult to diagnose a patient whose hemoglobin electrophoresis is normal. We review the various types of the thalassemia syndromes, where exact diagnosis could be difficult. (Turk Arch Ped 2009; 44 Suppl: 24-6)