Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) Launches the 5th Edition of the TIF Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent β-Thalassaemia

In a major stride towards advancing global understanding and management of thalassaemia and consistently elevating the standard of care provided to affected individuals, the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) is delighted to announce the release of the updated 5th edition of the TIF Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent β-Thalassaemia (TDT). 

This edition stands as a seminal resource that provides critical guidance and recommendations to healthcare professionals across various specialties, researchers and all stakeholders involved in the care of individuals affected by this severe genetic haematological disease.

Since their original publication in 1999, the TIF TDT guidelines have played a crucial role in shaping optimal clinical practices and improving diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the field of thalassaemia. They are broadly recognised and used by a wide range of medical specialists worldwide, including esteemed scientific bodies such as the European Haematology Association (EHA).

The new edition features contributions from 56 authors, renowned scientific collaborators of TIF from around the globe—including the US, Italy, the UK, Greece, Canada, Lebanon, and Thailand— and it has been expertly edited by Professors Ali T. Taher, John B. Porter, Maria D. Cappellini, Khaled Musallam, and Dimitrios Farmakis. 

The Guidelines contain updated chapters and texts with evidence-based information capturing all the latest scientific developments in the field of thalassaemia, from blood transfusions, iron chelation, medical complications and, of course, classical and modern therapeutic methods, to fertility, nutrition, quality of life and psychological support for patients. The edition also provides clear, step-by-step recommendations for treating physicians and includes numerous summary tables for better understanding and readability.

In line with its mission since 1986, TIF remains dedicated to advancing education and knowledge about Thalassaemia, compiling, publishing, and distributing free guidelines on various haemoglobinopathies, including α-thalassaemia and non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT), to support the medical community's multidisciplinary efforts.

The official launch of this guide is scheduled for Tuesday, 28 January 2025, at the 50th Arab Health Medical Expo, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. TIF will be represented by Dr. Androulla Eleftheriou, TIF's Executive Director, and Dr. Michael Angastiniotis, TIF’s Medical Advisor.

The complete e-book of the Guidelines is available for download in English at  http://bit.ly/4jux1Bn.