β-Thalassemia intermedia in a lebanese child due to homozygosity for the -88 (C→T) Mutation

We report a case of beta-thalassemia intermedia involving a 3-year-old male child of Lebanese descent. Molecular studies of the family showed that he is homozygous for the -88 (C-->T) beta (+)-thalassemia mutation. This mutation is the second most common cause of beta-thalassemia in Black populations, and has also been reported in Asian Indians. A review of Lebanese beta-thalassemia cases revealed considerable mutation heterogeneity and excess homozygosity due to consanguinity.