The authors performed a prospective, controlled, 3-year, follow-up study on infections and illnesses
in Hb E beta-thalassemic pediatric patients. Fifty severe and 24 non-severe patients and 24 controls were
included. Siblings with an age difference of no more than 4 years served as controls. All patients and controls
were asked to write postcards every two weeks to report on their illnesses and treatments. The respective
median follow-up was 32.5, 35.5 and 34 months in 1,501, 707 and 785 patient-months at 11.50 + 4.74, 10.50
+ 4.18 and 10.75 + 4.56 years of age (+ SD) for the severe, non-severe Hb E beta-thalassemic patients, and
controls. The rate per 1,000 patient-months of infections was not significantly different between groups
despite having 26 (52%) splenectomised patients in the severe group. The infection rate among severe, nonsevere,
Hb E beta-thalassemic, patients and controls was not significantly different. Regular blood transfusions
and iron chelation might decrease infections among Hb E beta-thalassemic, pediatric patients.

Keywords: Hemoglobin E, Hb E, Beta-Thalassemia, Infection, Illnesses, Prospective controlled study