Thalassemia is a blood disorder caused by a genetic defect that affects the body's production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This leads to excessive destruction of red blood cells and causes anemia. The main symptoms are fatigue, growth failure, bone deformities, jaundice, and shortness of breath. Treatment often involves regular blood transfusions along with supplements to prevent iron overload from the transfusions. Bone marrow transplants may also help treat the disease in some cases.

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KELANA JAYA MEDICAL CENTRE SDN BHD
Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in
which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells
that carries oxygen. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells,
which leads to anemia.
Causes
Hemoglobin is made of two
proteins: Alpha globin and
beta globin. Thalassemia
occurs when there is a defect
in a gene that helps control
production of one of these Symptoms
proteins.
Bone deformities in the face
There are two main types of
thalassemia: Fatigue
Alpha thalassemia
occurs when a gene Growth failure
or genes related to
the alpha globin Shortness of breath
protein are missing Yellow skin (jaundice)
or changed
(mutated).
Beta thalassemia Treatment
occurs when similar
gene defects affect Treatment for thalassemia major often involves regular
production of the blood transfusions and folate supplements.
beta globin protein.
If you receive blood transfusions, you should not take iron
supplements. Doing so can cause a high amount of iron to
build up in the body, which can be harmful.
Persons who receive significant numbers of blood
transfusions need a treatment called chelation therapy to
remove excess iron from the body.
Bone marrow transplant may help treat the disease in
some patients, especially children.