Prevalence of low bone mass among adolescents with nontransfusion-dependent hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia and its relationship with anemia severity.

We demonstrated that a low Hb level was associated with low bone mass among adolescents with NTD Hb E/β-thalassemia. A significant proportion of low bone mass among these patients highlights the importance of appropriate management, including red cell transfusion, vitamin D and calcium supplementation for improved long-term bone health.