title: [Thalassemias--what should Finnish physicians know?].
abstract: Thalassemias are a group of autosomically recessively inherited diseases involving a decreased production of structurally normal hemoglobin chains. The clinical picture of thalassemias ranges from fatal to symptomless and is dependent on the extent of the gene defect. Hematological picture typically reveals a microcytic and hypochromic hemolytic anemia, which is mild with respect to microcytosis in heterozygotes and does not exhibit a lower-than-normal erythrocyte count. The recognition of thalassemia, even a mild one, is important with respect to genetic counseling, and its distinction from iron deficiency is essential. Special examinations are required only in special cases.
authors.affiliation: HYKS, pediatrian klinikkaryhmä, Jorvin sairaala, PL 800, 00029 HUS.
authors.forename: Jukka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rajantie
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006454:Hemoglobins; D006801:Humans; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins