Is there a standard-of-care for transfusion therapy in thalassemia?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Thalassemia is the most common form of inherited anemia, characterized by variable clinical phenotypes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the transfusion support in thalassemia patients and the management of transfusion-related iron overload. RECENT FINDINGS: The most recent evidence on transfusion strategy and iron chelation therapy in thalassemia arising from clinical trials as well as from recommendation guidelines are critically discussed. SUMMARY: Enhancements in the global care of thalassemia, resulting from the combination of an appropriate transfusion approach and iron chelation therapy, have produced a significant improvement in the quality of life and, finally, in the prognosis of patients affected by this inherited hematologic disorder.