Thalassemia in the 21st Century: Challenges, and Solutions, a Review Article

Thalassemia is among the most common inherited hemoglobin disorders worldwide, caused by mutations that impair the production of alpha or beta globin chains, resulting in chronic hemolytic anemia and significant morbidity. Advances in supportive care, such as regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, have dramatically improved survival, yet iron overload, cardiac failure, endocrine dysfunction, and infections remain major complications. This review summarizes the current understanding of the genetic basis, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and evolving treatment options of thalassemia.