Thalassemia major is an inherited form of hemolytic anemia,
characterized by red blood cell (hemoglobin) production
abnormalities. This is the most severe form of anemia, and the
oxygen depletion in the body becomes apparent within the first 6
months of life. If left untreated, death usually results within a
few years. Note the small, pale (hypochromic), abnormally-shaped
red blood cells associated with thalassemia major. The darker cells
likely represent normal RBCs from a blood transfusion.
Review Date: 01/31/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant
Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; and David Zieve, MD, MHA,
Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
