Thalassemia is an inherited (i.e., passed from parents to children through genes) blood disorder caused when the body doesn’t make enough of a protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells. Thalassemia is a treatable disorder that can be well-managed with blood transfusions and chelation therapy. It is important for people with thalassemia to learn how to stay healthy.
- Page last reviewed: October 4, 2017
- Page last updated: October 4, 2017
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