thalassaemia

<haematology> A genetic form of anaemia in which there is abnormality of the globin portion of haemoglobin.

Affected individuals cannot synthesise haemoglobin properly, and they produce small, pale, short-lived red blood cells.

Widespread in Mediterranean countries.

Origin: Gr. Haima = blood

(11 Jan 1998)

Published at the Dept. of Medical Oncology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
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