In the clinical setting, improved screening methods, along with better management, have underscored
the different patterns of a-thalassemia and diagnosed complications that were previously less well
recognized[6]. As technology improved, successful attempts to treat fetuses and infants affected with a-
thalassemia major, generally considered fatal, have been reported.
It is important to recognize the main types of a-thalassemia and the potential for genotypic
combinations leading to different clinical symptomatology. Such knowledge will increase awareness, and
improve monitoring and management of the various subtypes of a-thalassemia