Disease, Condition & InjuryHeart & blood

Thalassemia

(Mediterranean Anemia; Cooley’s Anemia; Thalassemia Major; Thalassemia Minor)

Thalassemia – Definition

Thalassemia is an inherited disorder. It leads to the decreased production and increased destruction of red blood cells. Hemoglobin in the red blood cells carry oxygen for all organs in the body. The loss of red blood cells results in low hemoglobin. This leads to anemia. The decreased oxygen will impair the ability to maintain normal functions.

Hemoglobin is made of two separate amino acid chains. They are alpha and beta. Thalassemias are categorized by the specific chain and number of genes affected:

Alpha thalassemia — the alpha chain is affected

  • Silent carrier — one gene affected
  • Thalassemia trait — two genes affected
  • Hemoglobin H disease — three genes affected
  • Alpha hydrops fetalis — four genes affected, most severe form, results in fetal or newborn death

Beta thalassemia — the beta chain is affected

  • Thalassemia minor — one abnormal gene
  • Thalassemia major (Cooley’s anemia) — two abnormal genes

Thalassemia – Causes

This condition is caused by genetic material known as genes. Genes are inherited from the biological parents. There are four alpha genes and two beta genes.

The disease can develop if only one parent has abnormal genes. If only one gene is inherited, the person will be a carrier of the disease. They will have mild or no symptoms.

Thalassemia – Risk Factors

Risk factors that increase your chance of Thalessemia include:

  • Geographic location of ancestors, including:
    • Alpha thalassemias — Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and Southern China
    • Alpha hydrops fetalis — Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Filipino ancestry
    • Beta thalassemias — Africa, areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, and Southeast Asia
  • A family history of the disorder

Thalassemia – Symptoms

Symptoms most often begin within 3-6 months of birth. Symptoms may include:

  • Anemia, which may be mild, moderate, or severe
  • Jaundice
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Listlessness
  • Reduced appetite
  • Enlarged and fragile bones, including:
    • Thickening and roughening of facial bones
    • Bones that break easily
    • Teeth that don’t line up properly
  • Growth problems
  • Increased susceptibility to infection
  • Skin paler than usual
  • Hormone problems such as:
    • Delayed or absent puberty
    • Diabetes
    • Thyroid problems
  • Heart failure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Liver problems
  • Gallstones

Alpha Thalassemia

This form usually causes milder forms of the disease. It has with varying degrees of anemia.

Beta Thalassemia

This form can be asymptomatic or be a mild form of disease. The mild form is known as thalassemia intermedia. This form rarely needs extensive medical care.

Beta Thalassemia Major (Cooley’s Anemia)

This version usually has symptoms within the first two years of life. Children are pale and listless. They often have poor appetites. They grow slowly and often develop jaundice (yellowing of skin). It is a serious disease. It requires regular blood transfusions and extensive medical care.

Without treatment, the spleen, liver, and heart soon become very enlarged. Bones become thin and brittle. Abnormal deposits of iron in body organs can lead to organ failure. This is called secondary hemochromatosis. It most often affects the heart, liver, and pancreas. Heart failure and infection are the leading causes of death among children with untreated thalassemia major.

Thalassemia – Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests may include:

  • Complete blood count — a count of the different types of blood cells
  • Blood smear
  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis
  • Quantitative hemoglobin analysis
  • Iron levels

Thalassemia – Treatment

Treatment may include:

Blood Transfusions

You may require blood transfusions. These are done to replace abnormal red blood cells with healthy new ones.

Iron Chelation Therapy

Excess iron can accumulate in the body after repeated blood transfusions. Too much iron can damage the heart, liver, and other vital organs. A drug call deferoxamine (Desferal) can be given to bind to excess iron in the body. It is then carried out through the urine. This drug is given through the skin or by vein using a small infusion pump.

There is a newer drug called deferasirox (Exjade). It can be given as a drink, mixed with water or juice.

Splenectomy

This surgery is done to remove the spleen. It may help reduce the number of blood transfusions that are needed.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Healthy stem cells from a donor’s bone marrow are injected into your vein. The new cells travel through the bloodstream to the bone cavities. There they can produce new blood cells, including red blood cells. This is usually only done in severe cases. A compatible sibling donor is required.

Thalassemia – Prevention

This disease is inherited. Blood tests and family genetic studies will show if you are a carrier. A genetic counselor can discuss risks of passing on the disease. They can also give you information on testing.

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