Thalassemia Treatment in Indore

thalassemia, blood disorder, hematology, thalassemia treatment
thalassemia, blood disorder, hematology, thalassemia treatment

Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the body produces either abnormal hemoglobin or insufficient amounts of it. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Types of Thalassemia

There are two types of thalassemia

Alpha thalassemia:

Defect in the gene related to the alpha globulin protein chain.

  • Alpha Thalassemia minima
  • Alpha Thalassemia minor
  • Hemoglobin H disease
  • Hydrops fetalis with Hemoglobin Barts
Beta thalassemia:

Defect in beta-globin genes.

  • Beta thalassemia minor
  • Beta thalassemia major or Cooley’s anemia.

Thalassemia Risk Factors

The following factors may increase blood cancer risk, including:
Family history:

Thalassemia is an inherited genetic condition

Certain ancestry:

Certain parts of the world have a higher risk of having thalassemia

Symptoms of Thalassemia

The most severe type of alpha thalassemia, known as alpha thalassemia major, often results in stillbirth, which is the death of an unborn baby during late pregnancy or at birth.

Children with beta thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia) appear healthy at birth but usually develop severe anemia within their first year.

Common symptoms may include:
  • Facial bone deformities
  • Fatigue
  • Poor growth
  • Shortness of breath
  • Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
  • Low RBCs in thalassemia lead to anemia.

Individuals with the minor form of either alpha or beta thalassemia usually have smaller red blood cells but do not experience symptoms.

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Preventive measures

Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that is not easily preventable. However, individuals with a family history of the condition or those from regions where thalassemia is more prevalent should consider genetic counseling to understand their risk and make informed reproductive choices.

The experience with thalassemia varies depending on its type and severity. Genetic counseling is recommended when there is a family history and plans to have children.

Common Queries

Frequently Asked Questions About Thalassemia Treatment in Indore

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes less haemoglobin, causing anaemia. It ranges from mild (minor) to severe (major).

Pale skin, weakness, fatigue, yellowing of the eyes, slow growth, bone changes in the face, enlarged spleen and dark urine, mainly in moderate to severe forms.

Thalassemia minor (trait) usually causes mild or no anaemia. Thalassemia major requires regular blood transfusions from early childhood.

See a specialist if a child has persistent anaemia, if both partners are carriers, or if routine tests show low haemoglobin with small red cells that do not improve with iron.

A complete blood count, haemoglobin electrophoresis or HPLC and, if needed, genetic tests confirm the type. Parental testing helps counselling.

Regular blood transfusions every few weeks maintain haemoglobin, along with iron chelation, folic acid and monitoring of the heart, liver and endocrine glands.

Repeated transfusions overload the body with iron. Chelation drugs remove excess iron and protect the heart, liver and other organs.

Bone marrow or stem cell transplant from a matched donor can cure thalassemia, especially when done early in childhood. Gene therapy is also becoming available in some centres.

Children with thalassemia major who have a matched sibling donor and good organ health are the best candidates. Your specialist will assess eligibility.

Thalassemia minor is usually harmless, but carriers must be aware that two carriers can have a child with thalassemia major. Screening before marriage helps.

A balanced diet with folic acid-rich foods and adequate calcium and vitamin D. Iron supplements are generally avoided unless a doctor advises them.

Yes. Carrier screening before or early in pregnancy and prenatal diagnosis for couples who are both carriers can prevent birth of an affected child.

Iron overload, heart problems, liver disease, delayed puberty, bone thinning and spleen enlargement. Regular follow-up detects them early.

Call the clinic or book online. Bring transfusion records, HPLC reports and iron studies for a thorough review.