How I manage medical complications of beta-thalassemia in adults

The complex pathophysiology in beta-thalassemia can translate to multiple morbidities that affect every organ system. Improved survival due to advances in management meant that patients are exposed to the harmful effects of ineffective erythropoiesis, anemia and iron overload for a longer duration, and we started seeing new or more frequent complications in adult compared with younger patients. In this article, we highlight particular aspects of managing adult patients with beta-thalassemia utilizing our own experience in treating such patients. We cover both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent forms of the disease and tackle specific morbidities of highest interest.