Which blood test indicators are abnormal in thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a type of microcytic anemia that may present with abnormal laboratory indicators such as red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCHC.

Thalassemia, also known as globin synthesis disorder anemia, results from abnormalities in one or more globin genes. Reduced red blood cell size and decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration occur due to impaired globin synthesis, leading to ineffective red blood cell production and hemolysis. Thalassemia can be classified into three types: mild, intermediate, and severe.

Mild thalassemia usually does not require treatment, but potential causes of hemolysis should be monitored.

Patients with intermediate thalassemia often require regular blood transfusions to maintain hemoglobin levels between 90–105 g/L to support normal bodily functions. If patients develop complications such as chronic transfusion dependence, hypersplenism, or splenic compression, splenectomy may be necessary.

For patients with severe thalassemia, failure to undergo timely hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may significantly impact life expectancy.

If thalassemia is suspected, it is recommended to seek prompt medical evaluation at a hospital and receive targeted management or treatment under the guidance of a physician.