A Case of Familial beta-thalassemia Minor

ABSTRACT

Thalassemias are a diverse group of inherited anemias that are characterized by defective synthesis of one or more globin chains. The thalassemias are classified according to the globin chain or chains the synthesis of which is deficient : alpha-, beta-, delta beta-, delta-, and gamma delta beta- Thalassemia. They are common in the Mediterranean region, The Middle East, India, Burma, and Southeast Asia. Beta-thalassemia minor, the heterozygous state, is most frequently characterized by hypochrmia, microcytosis and an elevated percentage of hemoglobin A2. We experienced a case of a familial beta-thalassemia minor in pneumonia patient and his family.