Over the past 50 years, the management of transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) has undergone a remarkable transformation, significantly improving patients’ quality of life and survival. These advancements have been made possible through improvements in transfusion therapy, the development of effective iron chelators, the use of non-invasive tools for monitoring iron overload, and a multidisciplinary approach to care.
However, despite these breakthroughs, access to optimal treatment remains uneven worldwide, with significant challenges in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of TDT patients live. Even in countries with advanced healthcare systems, longer life expectancy has brought new clinical challenges, highlighting the need for a more personalized and multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
To address these challenges, a global team of experts has developed the 5th edition of the TIF Guidelines for the Management of TDT, a key reference document offering evidence-based recommendations and practical solutions for different healthcare settings, including resource-limited environments. This comprehensive guide has been authored by leading specialists in the field, including Khaled M. Musallam, Maria Domenica Cappellini, John B. Porter, Dimitrios Farmakis, Androulla Eleftheriou, Michael Angastiniotis, and Ali T. Taher, some of whom participated in the Garden Kick-off Meeting.
The latest edition emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and the active involvement of patients and families in disease management. It serves as an essential resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient organizations working to improve the care of individuals with TDT worldwide.
📑 Access the original article: TIF Guidelines
