Insights into the Clinical Features of Thalassemia Patients from Latakia, Syria

Background Thalassemia is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy requiring lifelong care, with β-thalassemia major being the most prevalent and severe form in the Mediterranean region, including Syria. Despite national programs for diagnosis and treatment, data on clinical patterns and healthcare challenges among Syrian patients remain scarce. Objective This study aims to characterize the demographic and clinical features of thalassemia patients in Latakia, Syria, and identify gaps in management and preventive care. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 patients at the Thalassemia Center in Latakia between October 2024 and April 2025. Data were collected via patient interviews and medical record reviews. Variables included age, sex, thalassemia type, transfusion frequency, iron chelation therapy, splenectomy status, hemoglobin electrophoresis, ferritin levels, and vaccination status. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis. Results The cohort comprised 28 males and 25 females, with β-thalassemia major accounting for 79.2% of cases and sickle cell thalassemia for 15%. Elevated ferritin (> 1000 ng/mL) was observed in 83% of patients, and 83% received iron chelation—mostly orally. HbS was significantly associated with sickle cell thalassemia (p < 0.00001), while 77% had elevated fetal hemoglobin. Only 52.8% had undergone splenectomy, yet all required regular transfusions. Vaccination coverage varied: 77.3% received pneumococcal/meningococcal vaccines, but only 11.3% received Haemophilus influenzae type b. Splenectomy was significantly associated with vaccine uptake (p = 0.016). Conclusions Thalassemia patients in Latakia exhibit high rates of iron overload and under-vaccination, reflecting challenges in disease monitoring and preventive care. Despite the availability of treatment, significant gaps remain in patient education, genetic counseling, and healthcare infrastructure. Strengthening multidisciplinary care, improving vaccination strategies, and enforcing genetic screening are essential for enhancing outcomes in this vulnerable population.