Transfusion dependent thalassemia

 

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.

 

 

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

 

 

Doctors diagnose thalassemias using blood tests.

 

 

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.