Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Experimental and Imaging Techniques for Examining Fibrin Clot Structures in Normal and Diseased States
Published on: April 1, 2015
Hypercoagulability in β-thalassemia: a status quo
Maria Domenica Cappellini1, Erika Poggiali, Ali T Taher
1Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. maria.cappellini@unimi.it
Life expectancy of thalassemia patients has markedly improved over the last few decades, but patients still suffer from many complications of their congenital chronic disease, and several new complications are now being acknowledged, including thrombosis. The high prevalence of thromboembolic events, especially in thalassemia intermedia, has led to the identification of a hypercoagulable state in these patients. This review summarizes current knowledge of the clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of hypercoagulability in thalassemia patients. Strategies to prevent thrombotic events are also discussed.
Life expectancy of thalassemia patients has markedly improved over the last few decades, but patients still suffer from many complications of their congenital chronic disease, and several new complications are now being acknowledged, including thrombosis. The high prevalence of thromboembolic events, especially in thalassemia intermedia, has led to the identification of a hypercoagulable state in these patients. This review summarizes current knowledge of the clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of hypercoagulability in thalassemia patients. Strategies to prevent thrombotic events are also discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Multiple Allele Traits
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
