Mechanisms of renal disease in β-thalassemia

Although advances in the care of patients with β-thalassemia translate into better patient survival, this success has allowed previously unrecognized complications to emerge, including several renal abnormalities. Clinical studies continue to show that mild tubular dysfunction and abnormalities in GFR are common in patients with β-thalassemia. Chronic anemia and iron overload are believed to lie behind these abnormalities. Nonprogressive increases in levels of serum creatinine have also been observed after exposure to some iron chelators. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the true burden of renal dysfunction in patients with β-thalassemia.