Thalassemia

Thalassemia, a chronic anemia
Depending on which globin chain is not formed
in sufficient amounts, !-thalassemia, "-thalassemia,
or #"-thalassemia results. This leads to
chronic anemia, which causes the various manifestations
of thalassemia. Oxygen deficiency in
the peripheral tissues leads to increased extramedullary
(outside the bone marrow) blood
formation. A tendency toward infection, undernourishment,
and other signs characterize the
severe clinical picture.