Cognitive dysfunction in beta-thalassemia minor

Beta-thalassemia minor is a common, hereditary, and mostly symptomless disease. Previous studies have shown that lower hemoglobin values are associated with poorer cognitive functions. We aimed to evaluate the cognitive function in patients with beta-thalassemia minor. Thirty-two male subjects with beta-thalassemia minor and 32 sex-, age-, and education status-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Blood tests and P300 potentials were carried out. P300 potential latency in all patients was significantly longer than those in the control group (337.63+/-34.89 msec and 310.66+/-14.30 msec, respectively; t 4.046, P