Thalassemia minor is the more common and milder form, in which life span is normal. Thalassemia major can be serious but it is fortunately very rare. Affects males and females equally. Most common in people of Mediterranean descent, especially Italians and Greeks. Both types of thalassemia are found in an area that extends from northern Africa and southern Europe to Thailand, including Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, and southern China.
Thalassemia major is more common in families who intermarry.
No treatment necessary for thalassemia minor. Bone marrow transplantation. Diagnosis considered when there is marked increase in RBC production by bone marrow. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is the primary type, in which antibodies produced by the immune system damage RBCs. Cause unknown or associated with disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus or lymphoma.