Understanding thalassaemia

TDT vs NTDT — what’s the difference?

1 min read

Thalassaemia is grouped by how much transfusion it needs. TDT (transfusion-dependent thalassaemia) needs regular, lifelong transfusions to stay well — this includes beta-thalassaemia major.

NTDT (non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia) makes enough haemoglobin to get by most of the time, needing transfusions only occasionally — for example during illness, pregnancy, surgery or a growth spurt.

Both still need monitoring. In NTDT, iron slowly builds up from the gut (rather than mainly from transfusions), so iron levels and organs are still watched over time.

This is general information about thalassaemia, not medical advice. Your own care depends on your history and test results — always talk to your thalassaemia team before changing anything about your treatment.

TDT vs NTDT — what’s the difference?

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