Evaluation of the Free α-hemoglobin Pool in the Red Blood Cells : Prognostic Marker and Severity Index in Thalassemic Syndromes

Our project aims to assess and validate an innovative prognostic and diagnostic test in order to i) define a severity index of the β-thalassemia according to the free α-Hb pool for a better management of the patient; ii) differentiate the α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia and iii) follow the evolution of this pool in response to treatment of patients. In the future, this prognostic test based on the measurement of free α-Hb pool may be suitable for routine laboratory practice. To carry out this project, cohort of 85 thalassemic patients and a group of 50 healthy volunteers have been recruited.