Mediterranean Anaemia Unit, NKUA
Mediterranean Anaemia Unit (Inherited Anaemias) – 1st University Department of Paediatrics, NKUA
The Mediterranean Anaemia Unit of the 1st University Department of Paediatrics, NKUA, is the largest in Greece. More than 400 children and adult patients receive transfusions in the Unit, approximately 15% of patients with Mediterranean anaemia in the country, while more than 600 outpatients with benign haematological diseases are regularly monitored.
The Unit has contributed to the creation of national registries for rare congenital haematological diseases, such as Diamond–Blackfan anaemia, Shwachman–Diamond syndrome and congenital agranulocytosis.
Centre of Expertise
It was recognised by the Ministry of Health (Government Gazette B 4271/22.11.2019) as a Centre of Expertise for Rare Haematological Diseases, corresponding to the European Reference Network ERN-EuroBloodNet.
Facilities & Operation
The Unit is housed on the 1st floor of the “Doxiadis” building and includes:
Day Care Unit
40 beds for transfusions of children and adults with chronic transfusion-dependent anaemias.
Special Haematology Unit
Benign Haematology Outpatient Clinic.
Blood Sampling and Crossmatching Department
Specialised support department.
Outpatient Clinic
Monitoring of transfusions and complications.
The operation of the Unit is supported through cooperation with the Cardiology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Departments for transfusion-related complications, with the Molecular Haematology–Oncology Laboratory of P.O.Ai.M., as well as with the Blood Donation Department and the Hospital’s Central Laboratories.
Research and Clinical Work
- Participation in international multicentre treatment and follow-up protocols for patients with benign haematological diseases.
- Pioneering the administration of new therapies through early access, targeted medicines and phase I–III clinical studies.
- Development of a Special Clinical Studies Unit with specialised staff, including 1 study coordinator and 2 investigators, dedicated exclusively to clinical and research studies in haemoglobinopathies.