the aim of this study was to evaluate the immune system and lymphocyte function in 41 iranian β-thalassemic patients and 50 controls, ages ranging from 2 to 18 years. the patients consisted of 20 splenectomized and 21 non-splenectomized patients. they were treated with desferal, and had received repeated blood transfusion. laboratory investigations included measurement of total t lymphocytes, a...