Acute heart failure syndromes in β-thalassemia

Abstract

β-thalassemia is a hereditary disorder that causes anemia as a result of the decrease in the production of β-globin chains. This disorder is caused by more than 200 point mutations, and more rarely deletions seem to be related with increased long-term morbidity and mortality, affecting the structure and function of many human organs (1). Although the disease has been characterized as a Mediterranean anemia, it seems to spread well beyond its traditional locations (Greece, Southern Italy, and France). Thus, it also appears in India and Africa, and affects certain populations in Asia and South Pacific, as well as black Americans. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.