Thalassemia & Haemoglobinopathy Made Easy Dato’ Dr. Azizon Othman, MBBCh, MPath (Haematology) The topic on Thalassemia and Haemoglobinopathy is very confusing! Why is that so? Thalassemia/ haemoglobinopathy as a disorder is very diverse and heterogenous. It is the most prevalent genetic disorder in the world. It is estimated that 7% of the global population carries some haemoglobin disorder. And according to WHO, 2.7% of the conceptions are affected by severe haemoglobinopathies. And as for the doctors, scientists and technicians involved in Thalassemia/ Haemoglobinopathy diagnosis, the process may be challenging. Precise and timely diagnosis is important so that appropriate treatment may be started early to improve the quality of life of patients. Complications and their sequela can be prevented much earlier. When I expressed my plan to write a book on thalassemia and haemoglobinopathy, it was met with such positive responses. Yes, Thalassemia and Haemoglobinopathy diagnosis is both science and skill. Time is the essence for someone to acquire adequate knowledge and confidence to diagnose and treat the disorder. This book is presented in a concise and simple format, so that learning becomes easy. Interesting case studies are presented to illustrate how diagnosis is made. This book will definitely benefit laboratory technicians, doctors with special interest in haematology, students in related fields as well as medical officers in pathology and those taking Masters of Pathology (Haematology) and its like. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Well done to Dato’ Dr. Azizon Othman on the publishing of the new edition of HME series. This book is well written, concise and precisely made for clinicians including family medicine specialists like me, doctors with special interest in haematology, haematologists, MPath (Haematology), MMed students. It is useful as a quick review and updated knowledge on Thalassemia/ Haemoglobinopathy. Congratulations, you are always be my idol.” Dr Hajjah Siti Umi Fairuz Azmi, Family Medicine Specialist UD54, Klinik Kesihatan Taman Ehsan, Selangor DE. “A comprehensive yet concise book on Thalassemia and Haemoglobinopathy. The author has converted a confusing subject into something more interesting and palatable.” Dr. Husna M. Hazim, MBBS (IIUM), Medical Officer, Hospital Ampang, Selangor (formerly MO in Haematology Department). “An easy to follow, comprehensive and interesting book. Useful for students, laboratory technicians and doctors.” Dr. Fairuz Rahim, MuDr (Palacky University, Olomouc), Medical Officer, Hospital Kajang, Selangor.