Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder, which is claiming 60 per cent of the one lakh children affected in the country, suggest reports.
Here are must know facts about it:
In Thalassemias there is anemia- that is the hemoglobin in the blood is less than the normal level, this is due to the rapid breakdown of the red cells, a process called hemolysis.
There are various severities of the disease from Thalassemia major-the severe form to Thalassemia minor, where patients have very few problems and lead a normal life and beta thalassemia intermedia, which is mild to moderate anemia.
In the case of Thalassemia major, the patient needs regular blood transfusions. According to Medical experts, the affected children need the blood transfusion every 15-30 days for life.
In Thalassemia, the inheritance is autosomal recessive, that is both parents must carry the defective gene in order to pass on Thalassemia major to the child.
Symtoms: Weak and deformed bones, enlargement of spleen and liver, slow growth and delayed puberty.
Diagnosis: Special blood tests like MCV are needed to diagnose the disorder.
Treatment: The treatment depends on the type and severity of the disorder.