What is the most common form of thalassemia identified in the United States?

Beta thalassemia minor is indeed the most common form of thalassemia identified in the United States. This condition occurs when an individual has one normal beta-globin gene and one mutated beta-globin gene, leading to a mild form of anemia. Individuals with beta thalassemia minor often exhibit no significant health problems and can lead normal lives, which contributes to its frequency in the population. The condition is usually detected through routine blood tests that show mild microcytic anemia and a characteristic peripheral blood smear.

Beta thalassemia minor is frequently identified in people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent, which influences its prevalence in the U.S. population where these ethnic groups may be found. In contrast, alpha thalassemia major and delta thalassemia are less common and typically lead to more severe clinical manifestations. Hemoglobin E disease, while also a form of thalassemia, is less frequently seen in the U.S. compared to beta thalassemia minor. Understanding the commonality of beta thalassemia minor enhances knowledge of the spectrum of thalassemias and their implications for screening and diagnosis in diverse populations.