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Abstract
Thalassemia is a hereditary anemia resulting from defects in hemoglobin production. β-Thalassemia, which is caused by absence or decrease in the production of β-globin chains, affects multiple organs and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, lifelong care is required. β-Thalassemia is caused by any of more than 200 point mutations and rarely by deletions.
Regular red cell transfusions eliminate the complications of anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis, permit normal growth and development throughout childhood. The major complications of blood transfusions are those related to transmission of infectious agents as HCV, HBV or HIV and iron overload.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most important problems in transfusion-dependent patients, particularly for those who were transfused before HCV screening tests became available. A precise estimate of HCV prevalence is required for all prevention and/or treatment programs.
Serologic tests have now a sensitivity of more than 99% in the 3rd generation assays. Positive serologic results require HCV RNA measurement. When acute hepatitis C is considered, HCV Ab screening alone is insufficient because anti-HCV antibodies may develop late after transmission of the virus (window period.