Thalassemia in Pediatric Hematology

Thalassemia in Pediatric Hematology

From HemeTalks: Conversations in Hematology Education by American Society of Hematology

October 16, 2025 · 19 min · Season 4 · Episode 15

About this episode

This episode discusses thalassemia in pediatric hematology, focusing on diagnosis, treatment options, and management strategies.

Join us for a vital conversation on thalassemia in pediatric hematology with Drs. Sujit Sheth and Ashutosh Lal. Thalassemia is one of the most common inherited blood disorders in children globally, especially in populations from the Mediterranean, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. This episode explores the different types of thalassemia, strategies for early diagnosis, the importance of transfusion and chelation therapies, and evolving curative options like stem cell transplantation and gene therapy. Using the case of a young child with beta-thalassemia major, we’ll examine both challenges and new hope on the horizon for long-term disease management. Learning Objectives: Understand the types and diagnostic approach to thalassemia in pediatric patients Review current standards of care including transfusions and chelation therapy Explore curative treatment options, including stem cell transplant and gene therapy Clinical Pearls: The thalassemias are a group of disorders of ineffective erythropoiesis, with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from a mild anemia to transfusion dependence. The diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation, routine hematologic…

People in this episode

Guests: Sujit Sheth, Ashutosh Lal

Topics covered

  • thalassemia
  • pediatric hematology
  • diagnosis
  • transfusion therapy
  • gene therapy
  • stem cell transplantation

Keywords

  • thalassemia
  • pediatric
  • blood disorders
  • diagnosis
  • transfusion
  • chelation therapy
  • stem cell transplant
  • gene therapy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: American Society of Hematology

Books & works: beta-thalassemia major

Places: Mediterranean, Middle East, South Asia, Africa

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