Homozygous sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia are characterized by impaired endothelial function, while data on arterial stiffness have hitherto been conflicting. We sought to investigate aortic elastic properties and endothelial function in sickle-thalassemia, which combines molecular and clinical features of the above conditions.
First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens Medical School, Laiko Hospital, 17 Aghiou Thoma St., Athens 115 27, Greece. aaisopos@cc.uoa.gr
