THE CURRENT STATUS OF β-THALASSEMIA MAJOR IN MAINLAND CHINA

beta-Thalassemia (beta-thal) is caused by a decrease in the production of beta-globin chains that is a genetic disorder worldwide. The diagnosis of beta-thal major (beta-TM) depends on clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations, family history and genetic analysis. Patients with beta-TM require long-term blood transfusion and chelation therapy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only strategy for curing this disease. Many patients with beta-TM cannot get regular diagnosis and treatment in developing countries. With economic improvement and medical technology development, a great progress has been made in Mainland China. In this study, we describe the current status of diagnosis and treatment of beta-thal in Mainland China.