beta thalassemia minor; beta thalassemia trait
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Clinical manifestations
- generally asymptomatic
- no splenomegaly
Laboratory
- Hgb electrophoresis
- Hgb A2 3-7%
- little or no Hgb F (may or may not be increased)[1]
- hemoglobin A2 is increased (contrast with alpha-thalassemia trait)[1]
- CBC with peripheral smear
- microcytosis (MCV 60-70 fL)
- hypochromia
- mild anemia (blood hemoglobin 10-12 g/dL)
- normal RDW
- erythrocyte count is often high
- Fe deficiency workup
Differential diagnosis
- alpha-thalassemia trait
- hemoglobin A2 is normal
- hemoglobin F is normal
Management
- generally benign disorder
- no therapy is required