Is alpha thalassemia serious?
However, health problems caused by alpha thalassemia and its treatment are common and can be serious. Severe thalassemia (severe hemoglobin H or hydrops fetalis) can cause heart failure and death.
How does alpha thalassemia affect the body?
In people with the characteristic features of alpha thalassemia, a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin prevents enough oxygen from reaching the body’s tissues. Affected individuals also have a shortage of red blood cells (anemia ), which can cause pale skin, weakness, fatigue, and more serious complications.
Is alpha thalassemia major or minor?
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. When the words “trait,” “minor,” “intermedia,” or “major” are used, these words describe how severe the thalassemia is.
Why is it called Cooley anemia?
People often ask why the major form of thalassemia is known as Cooley’s anemia. Thalassemia major is widely referred to as Cooley’s anemia in reference to Dr. Thomas Benton Cooley, the renowned researcher who discovered the disorder.
What are the classic symptoms of thalassemia major Cooley’s anemia?
The symptoms of beta thalassemia intermedia happen at a later age and include:
- Pale or yellow skin.
- Gallstones.
- Enlarged liver and spleen.
- Bone changes.
- Leg ulcers or sores.
- Soft bones.
Can you live a normal life with alpha thalassemia?
Children with hemoglobin H and alpha thalassemia major need lifelong medical care. The best way for your child to live their healthiest life is to get regular medical care, which includes transfusions and chelation when needed.
How common is alpha thalassemia?
Alpha thalassemia is a fairly common blood disorder worldwide. Thousands of infants with Hb Bart syndrome and HbH disease are born each year, particularly in Southeast Asia. Alpha thalassemia also occurs frequently in people from Mediterranean countries, Africa, the Middle East, India, and Central Asia.
Does iron Help alpha thalassemia?
Alpha thalassemia can sometimes be mistaken for low-iron anemia, and iron supplements may be recommended as a treatment. But iron supplements have no effect on thalassemia.
How is alpha thalassemia confirmed?
Alpha thalassemia minor can be confirmed only with molecular genetic tests which may not be widely available. In hemoglobin H disease, a complete blood count may show considerable variation. Initial anemia work-up is standard: complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, and peripheral blood smear should be ordered.
Apa perbedaan penyakit anemia dan thalasemia?
Sedangkan untuk thalasemia diklasifikasikan menjadi dua yakni thalasemia alfa dan juga thalasemia beta. Gambaran klinis juga menjadi perbedaan penyakit anemia dan thalasemia yang sedikit memiliki perbedaan. Jika pada penderita anemia, gambaran klinisnya adalah badan yang lemah, letih, lesu dan juga berkunang kunang.
Apakah talasemia menyebabkan anemia?
Mutasi inilah yang menyebabkan talasemia mengganggu produksi hemoglobin normal dan menyebabkan kadar hemoglobin yang rendah akibat tingginya kerusakan sel darah merah. Jika hal ini terus berlanjut, maka akan menyebabkan anemia.
Apa itu penyakit thalasemia?
Seperti yang sudah diketahui sebelumnya bahwa penyakit thalasemia adalah kondisi kelainan darah yang diturunkan di mana tubuh membuat bentuk hemoglobin yang tidak normal. Gangguan ini dapat menyebabkan kerusakan sel darah merah yang berlebihan.
Apa yang dimaksud dengan thalasemia alfa dan beta?
Kondisi ini terjadi akibat mutasi genetik atau penghapusan fragmen gen tertentu. Ada dua bentuk utama talasemia, yaitu thalasemia alfa dan thalasemia beta.