A scoring system for the classification of beta-thalassemia/Hb E disease severity
Orapan Sripichai, Wattanan Makarasara, Thongperm Munkongdee, Chutima Kumkhaek, Issarang Nuchprayoon, Ampaiwan Chuansumrit, Suporn Chuncharunee, Nawarat Chantrakoon, Piathip Boonmongkol, Pranee Winichagoon, Suthat Fucharoen, Orapan Sripichai, Wattanan Makarasara, Thongperm Munkongdee, Chutima Kumkhaek, Issarang Nuchprayoon, Ampaiwan Chuansumrit, Suporn Chuncharunee, Nawarat Chantrakoon, Piathip Boonmongkol, Pranee Winichagoon, Suthat Fucharoen
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia intermediate patients show a remarkable clinical heterogeneity. We examined the phenotypic diversity of 950 beta-thalassemia/Hb E patients in an attempt to construct a system for classifying disease severity. A novel scoring system based on six independent parameters, hemoglobin level, age at disease presentation, age at receiving first blood transfusion, requirement for transfusion, spleen size, and growth and development, was able to separate patients into three distinctive severity categories: mild, moderate, and severe courses. This system, therefore, can increase the accuracy of studies of genotype-phenotype interactions and facilitate decisions for appropriate patient management.
Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Source: PubMed