Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism and Hematologic Phenotype in Patients With Transfusion-Dependent Beta-Thalassemia

Abstract

In patients with thalassemia major, genetic differences may influence their susceptibility to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, possibly as a result of differences in the amounts of blood transfused and/or their vulnerability to free radical damage. The hematologic phenotype is a main determinant of the severity of thalassemia major; hence, it may influence the need for and frequency of blood transfusion and the patient's iron-overload status.