A simple index for initiating transfusion treatment in thalassaemia intermedia

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary. In order to develop an objective test for discriminating between patients with thalassaemia intermedia requiring blood transfusion, and those not likely to require transfusion the medullary width (MW) in the midpoint of the second left metacarpal and the bone mass were measured in 34 normal children and in 37 patients. In patients, blood haemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin concentration were measured and cephalofacial deformities (CFD) were scored. The mean values of MW were 0.37±0.06 and 0.44±0.1 cm (PP 0.5 cm) regardless of age or haemoglobin concentration. This test may help clinicians to decide about the optimal time for institution of regular transfusions in patients with thalassaemia intermedia.