Evaluation of Alpha-Thalassemia Mutations in Cases with Hypochromic Microcytic Anemia: The İstanbul Perspective

Abstract

Alpha thalassemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypochromic microcytic anemia especially in cases without iron deficiency and b-thalassemia carrier state. Genetic testing should be performed for the suspicious cases. We also recommend that a national database with all mutations in Turkey should be created to screen the alpha thalassemia cost-effectively.