Vertebral collapse in thalassemia intermedia: case report

Over the last few decades, the use of regular blood transfusions and adequate iron chelation beginning in the first years of life has modified the clinical picture and the natural course of thalassemia major. With the rise in the average age of these patients new problems have emerged, in particular bone disease: osteopenia, osteoporosis and the increased risk of fractures have become important causes of morbidity in a population whose longevity is continuously increasing. The Authors describe the case of a 41 year old patient affected by clinical thalassemia intermedia who presented with vertebral collapse after mild trauma. The physiopathology of osteoporosis and vertebral fractures in thalassemic patients and related management is presented.