Thalassemias in Manipur, India

Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders. It presents a significant health challenge in Manipur, India, due to the high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies such as hemoglobin E (HbE) and β-thalassemia. This region exhibits unique genetic characteristics, with the Meitei population showing a notably higher incidence of HbE hemoglobinopathies. Thalassemia is classified phenotypically into transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-TDT (NTDT). The management of these disorders are complex, involving regular blood transfusions for TDT patients and occasional transfusions or other treatments, such as hydroxyurea and splenectomy, for NTDT patients. This review highlights the challenges in managing thalassemias, emphasizing the importance of early and accurate classification to prevent unnecessary transfusions. Furthermore, complications such as iron overload, alloimmunization, and splenectomy-related risks underscore the need for tailored, careful treatment approaches. This research provides insights into the epidemiology, management strategies for thalassemia in Manipur, contributing to a better understanding of the disorder in this specific population.