Apotransferrin in Patients With β-thalassemia

Inclusion Criteria: * Non-transfusion dependent β-thalassemia intermedia, defined as patients with microcytic anaemia in combination with an elevated HbA2 (\>2.5%) and a haemoglobin of \<6.2 mmol/L, or transfusion dependent β-thalassemia treated with a regular transfusion schedule. * Age above≥ 17 years. * Adequate renal and hepatic function tests * WHO performance 0, 1 or 2. * Signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Known with allergic reactions against human plasma or plasma products. * Concurrent severe and/or uncontrolled medical condition (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, infection, hypertension, pulmonary disease). * Cardiac dysfunction as defined by: myocardial infarction within the last 6 months of study entry, unstable angina, or unstable cardiac arrhythmias. * Pregnant or lactating females. * Known with IgA deficiency with anti-IgA antibodies