Sage-Tips

Can thalassemia affect adults?

Conclusion: Adult thalassemia major patients present with a distinct clinical profile having low BMI, generalized hyperpigmentation, most are splenectomized, have low hemoglobin, inadequate chelation and harbor transfusion-transmitted infections. Adult physician needs to be aware of this profile.

What effects does thalassemia have on a person?

Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Thalassemia can cause anemia, leaving you fatigued. If you have mild thalassemia, you might not need treatment.

Is alpha thalassemia compatible with life?

Hydrops fetalis (alpha thalassemia major) is incompatible with life and requires identification in utero and in utero transfusions if the fetus is to survive and be born.

What are the symptoms of alpha thalassemia?

Some of the more common symptoms of alpha thalassemia include:

• fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath.
• a pale appearance or a yellow color to the skin (jaundice)
• irritability.
• deformities of the facial bones.
• slow growth.
• a swollen abdomen.
• dark urine.

What are the 4 types of alpha thalassemia?

There are 4 types of alpha thalassemia:

• Alpha thalassemia silent carrier. One gene is missing or damaged, and the other 3 are normal. Blood tests are usually normal.
• Alpha thalassemia carrier. Two genes are missing.
• Hemoglobin H disease. Three genes are missing.
• Alpha thalassemia major. All 4 genes are missing.

Does thalassemia make you tired?

Since your body has fewer red blood cells when you have thalassemia, you may have symptoms of a low blood count, or anemia. When you have anemia, you might feel tired or weak. You might also experience: Dizziness.

Does thalassemia cause joint pain?

Joint pain In thalassemia, arthropathy or arthritis may be associated with distinct factors: iron overload in the absence of iron chelation, hyperuricemia, and deferiprone.

Is exercise good for thalassemia?

Exercise. Exercise is part of an overall healthy lifestyle and helps lead to better health outcomes. Although some people with thalassemia may have trouble participating in vigorous forms of exercise, many people with thalassemia can participate in moderate physical activities including biking, running, and walking.

Is alpha thalassemia serious?

In addition to anemia and hydrops fetalis, severe cases of alpha thalassemia and hemoglobin H disease can lead to serious complications, especially if untreated. Complications of alpha thalassemia include: Excess iron.

Can thalassemia cause hair loss?

Skin and hair may receive less oxygen from the blood during iron deficiency, causing them to become dry and damaged. In more severe cases, this may lead to hair loss.

How to diagnose alpha thalassemia?

In most cases, alpha thalassemia is diagnosed before a child’s second birthday or through newborn screening, a blood test given when the child is first born. Children with alpha thalassemia major may have a swollen abdomen or symptoms of anemia or failure to thrive.

Can you take iron if you have thalassemia?

People with thalassemia trait should not take iron supplementation as this will not improve your anemia. Having thalassemia trait should not cause you any health issues.

What is alpha thalassemia vs. Beta thalassemia?

When thalassemia is called “alpha” or “beta,” this refers to the part of hemoglobin that isn’t being made. If either the alpha or beta part is not made, there aren’t enough building blocks to make normal amounts of hemoglobin. Low alpha is called alpha thalassemia. Low beta is called beta thalassemia.

What is the difference between thalassemia minor and major?

• Thalassemia major patient is dependent on regular blood transfusion throughout life where as thalassemia minor is a healthy person but with slightly lower hemoglobin level. • Thalassemia major is caused by mutation of both hemoglobin genes where as thalassemia minor is caused by mutation of one gene.