Thalassemia is characterized by which of the following?

Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by reduced production of one or more of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin. This reduction leads to decreased levels of functional hemoglobin in the red blood cells, resulting in anemia, which is reflected in lower hemoglobin levels in affected individuals.

This deficiency in hemoglobin synthesis disrupts normal red blood cell formation and leads to the destruction of red blood cells, contributing to both anemia and, in some cases, increased red blood cell production as the body attempts to compensate for the low hemoglobin levels. However, the hallmark characteristic of thalassemia remains the decreased hemoglobin levels, which can severely impact the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Higher red blood cell counts would be observable as a compensatory mechanism in some cases, but it is not a defining characteristic of thalassemia itself. Increased white blood cell production and abnormalities in platelet function are not typically associated with this condition but rather pertain to other hematological disorders.