Hypercoagulability in β-thalassemia : a status quo

Life expectancy of thalassemia patients has markedly improved over the last few decades, but patients still suffer from many complications of their congenital chronic disease, and several new complications are now being acknowledged, including thrombosis. The high prevalence of thromboembolic events, especially in thalassemia intermedia, has led to the identification of a hypercoagulable state in these patients. This review summarizes current knowledge of the clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of hypercoagulability in thalassemia patients. Strategies to prevent thrombotic events are also discussed.