In thalassemia, which laboratory result is expected to be normal?

In thalassemia, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is typically expected to be normal. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by reduced hemoglobin production, leading to microcytic anemia. Patients with thalassemia often experience increased absorption of iron due to ineffective erythropoiesis, but this does not significantly affect TIBC, which generally remains within normal limits.

In contrast, other laboratory results may demonstrate typical abnormalities associated with thalassemia. For instance, serum iron levels are frequently elevated due to increased iron absorption. Ferritin levels may also be increased due to iron overload that can occur in patients with thalassemia. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is often decreased because thalassemia causes microcytic anemia.

Thus, recognizing that TIBC remains typically normal helps healthcare professionals understand the unique iron metabolism alterations in thalassemia compared to other forms of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia where TIBC is often elevated. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management of patients with thalassemia.