Transfusion dependent thalassemia

Description of Transfusion dependent thalassemia

Definition
 
Thalassemias are inherited blood disorders. If you have one, your body makes fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin (hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen to the body) which leads to anemia.
 
Signs and Symptoms
 
Thalassemias can be mild or severe. Some people have no symptoms or mild anemia. The most common severe type is called Cooley's anemia. It usually appears during the first 2 years of life. Common symptoms include:
1. Severe anemia
2. Slowed growth
3. Delayed puberty
 
Investigations
 
Doctors diagnose thalassemias using blood tests.
 
Treatment
 
Treatments include:
1. Blood transfusion
2. Remove excess iron from the body
If you have mild symptoms or no symptoms, you may not need treatment. In some severe cases, you may need a bone marrow transplant.
 
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Content Details
Last updated on:
04 Sep 2017 | 04:11 PM (IST)
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