What type of anemia is associated with thalassemia major (Cooley anemia)?

Thalassemia major, also known as Cooley anemia, is characterized by a significant deficiency in the production of hemoglobin. This condition is caused by mutations in the genes responsible for the alpha or beta chains of hemoglobin, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and severe hemolysis. As a result, individuals with thalassemia major typically present with severe anemia.

In thalassemia major, patients often require regular blood transfusions to manage their anemia due to insufficient hemoglobin levels. This severe anemia is evident in laboratory findings, which demonstrate low hemoglobin concentrations and often show microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells. The clinical manifestations can include symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and complications from chronic hemolysis and iron overload from repeated transfusions.

Thus, recognizing thalassemia major as a cause of severe anemia is crucial, as it impacts the management and treatment strategies utilized to address the anemia and its associated complications.