Which hemoglobin chain abnormality is decreased in thalassemia?

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Thalassemia is defined by reduced synthesis of one globin chain (either alpha or beta), which creates an imbalance in globin production and leads to microcytic anemia. Because the problem is a deficiency in making the globin chain, the correct statement describes decreased production of the alpha or beta hemoglobin chains. In contrast, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) often increases in thalassemia as a compensatory mechanism, and HbA2 tends to be elevated in beta-thalassemia trait; HbA itself is reduced when beta chains are deficient. So the hallmark concept is decreased synthesis of the specific globin chains, making that option the best fit.