Challenges associated with prolonged survival of patients with thalassemia: transitioning from childhood to adulthood

Pediatrics. 2008 May;121(5):e1426-9. doi: 10.1542/peds.2007-1944.

Abstract

Thalassemia is a chronic condition that presents a range of clinical and psychosocial challenges. Although recent advances in the treatment of thalassemia can prolong patient life spans, problems may arise when patients are transferred from pediatric health care settings to adult health care settings. These issues and our recommendations for handling them are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Quality of Life*
  • Thalassemia* / complications
  • Thalassemia* / psychology
  • Thalassemia* / therapy