Introduction
Beta-thalassaemia is one of the most common genetic blood disorders worldwide, caused by a spectrum of mutations that results in a quantitative reduction of structurally normal β-globin chains. It is most prevalent in the Mediterranean region, parts of North and sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and it is estimated that 68,000 babies are born each year suffering from this disease [1], [2].