Preface

Thalassemia syndromes are perhaps some of the least well-defined of the hereditary hemolytic diseases from the standpoint of genetic background, classification, basic biochemical abnormalities, and clinical and hematologic findings. It is hardly necessary to mention the difficulties encountered in fitting in the varied clinical pictures of thalassemia with the simple concept of heterozygosity or homozygosity for the responsible abnormal. The thalassemia group of diseases is caused by a series of multiple interrelated genetic defects, not necessarily closely linked, which in various combinations give rise to a graduated series of hematologic aberrations, starting with the mildest asymptomatic state, in which the diagnosis can often only be inferred, and ending with severe, chronic microcytic hypochromic hemolytic anemia referred to as Cooley's anemia. This book contains four sections: "Beta Thalasemia Overview", "Thalassemia Syndromes", "Treatment Modalities in Beta Thalassemia", "Blood and Blood Components Transfusion Modalities". It reviews some of the many problems related to this complex and interesting group of diseases. More careful genetic, hematologic, and biochemical studies are needed to complete our understanding of this syndrome.

> **Marwa Zakaria, Laila Sherief and Tamer Hassan** Professor of Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

> > **Osaro Erhabor**

Blood Transfusion Faculty, West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, Wupa, Nigeria

Professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Usmau Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto, Nigeria

**1**

Section 1

Beta Thalasemia Overview

Section 1
