Meeting Report: The Equality Project on Endocrine Complications in Thalassemia: Selected Highlights from the First Turkish Congress, Antalya, 10th-11th December 2018.

ABSTRACT

Major difficulties reported by endocrinologists /pediatricians/ hematologists in the care of thalassemic patients with endocrine complications were lack of facilities, correct interpretation of tests, unfamiliarity with medical treatment and the cost of diagnostics and therapeutics. Therefore, there is a felt need to educate and train more endocrinologists/pediatricians/hematologists in this field in order to optimise growth and prevent endocrine complications. To achieve this goal, in 2015, a project called Equality was submitted by three countries (Turkey, Spain and Italy) and approved by the European Union (EU) with the aim to train doctors and nurses, taking care of youth and young adults TM patients, in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of endocrine disorders. The selected highlights of the First Turkish Congress held in Antalya (10th-11th December 2018) are reported. Overall the conference provided a wide coverage of conventional treatment of thalassemias and endocrine complications in patients with ß-thalassemia major. Regular surveillance, early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in a multi-disciplinary specialized setting are recommended.