Genetically Confirmed Dual Hematologic Disorder: A Case of β-Thalassemia with Frameshift Mutation and Type 3 von Willebrand Disease in a Pediatric Patient
The coexistence of β-thalassemia major and Type 3 von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is an exceptionally rare clinical phenomenon. We describe a 3-year-old female with genetically confirmed β-thalassemia major due to an <i>HBB</i> frameshift mutation (exons 8-9) and Type 3 VWD with von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen at 1.8%. Clinically, she presented with recurrent epistaxis, anemia, and transfusion dependence. Serial laboratory investigations revealed persistent microcytic hypochromic anemia, iron overload (ferritin 1778 ng/mL), and markedly low VWF antigen. Management included red blood cell transfusions, chelation, hydroxyurea, vitamin supplementation, and supportive care, while balancing the bleeding risks from VWD. This report underscores the diagnostic challenge and therapeutic complexity of overlapping congenital anemia and bleeding disorder. Multidisciplinary care and genetic testing were pivotal in confirming the diagnosis and guiding management.
Authors
- Aamir Ali
- Inam Ul Haq (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2254-7326)
- Muhammad Tariq Masood Khan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7841-7058)
- Inaam Haq
- Afaq Ahmad
Institutions
- Pakistan Health Research Council (PK)
- Khyber Medical College (PK)
- Behman Hospital (EG)
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Hemoglobin
- Published
- 2025-11-02
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/03630269.2025.2576019
- Primary Topic
- Platelet Disorders and Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00