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Can iron supplements help a thalassaemia minor patient?
Question
Can iron supplements help increase haemoglobin levels of a thalassaemia minor patient?
Expert Answer
S
Dr Shirish KumarOct 28, 2006
Haematologist,
WHO,
Geneva
WHO,
Geneva
Iron supplement can increase the haemoglobin in thalassaemia minor if there is concomitant iron deficiency. A low serum iron and ferritin with an elevated total iron binding capacity (TIBC) are diagnostic of iron deficiency. While a low serum ferritin is virtually diagnostic of iron deficiency, a normal serum ferritin can be seen in patients who are deficient in iron and have coexistent diseases. Also take tablet folvite as folic acid supplements tend to help.
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