THALASSEMIA

CARDIAC DISEASES

WHAT IS THALASSEMIA?

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the body makes an ab- normal form of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood

cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in the body not producing enough proteins which causes the red blood cells to not form properly.

CARDIAC DISEASES

Depending on the type of genetic abnormality, Thalassemia can be

Depending on the clinical manifestation, Thalassemia can beBeta

Thalassemia Thalassemia Intermedia

Thalassemia Major

Alpha Thalassemia

WHAT IS THALASSEMIA?

CARDIAC DISEASES

TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION

THALASSEMIA INTERMEDIA THALASSEMIA MAJOR

Mild symptomsRequire no or very few, blood transfusions

Severe anaemiaRegular blood transfusions necessary to survive

CARDIAC DISEASES

SYMPTOMS OF THALASSEMIA MAJOR

Growth failure

Recurring infections

Extreme anaemia

Shortness of breath

CARDIAC DISEASES

Thalassemia Major patients are dependent on regular blood transfusions from a very young age, as young as 6 months

Complications of blood transfusions for Thalassemia can cause iron build up and

damage the heart, liver and endocrine organs

SYMPTOMS OF THALASSEMIA MAJOR

SYMPTOMS OF THALASSEMIA MAJOR

CARDIAC DISEASES

Be sure that the blood does not have blood-borne infections

Maintain normal haemoglobin levels

Ensure white blood cells are filtered out

Regular doctor visits and monitoring

PRECAUTIONS TO KEEP DURING TREATMENT

Get tested to know if you are a carrier of Thalassemia

Get antenatal test to know if the foetus has Thalassemia major

PREVENTION

CARDIAC DISEASES

WHAT IS THALASSEMIA TRAIT?

It means that an individual carries genetic trait for Thalassemia but do no usually experience any related health problems.

BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION CAN CURE THALASSEMIA IF THE PATIENTS GET A NEAR-PERFECT MATCH USUALLY FROM A SIBLING

CARDIAC DISEASES

FACTS ABOUT THALASSEMIA

25 percent of Bone Marrow Transplant cases are done to treat Thalassemia

India is consideredthe Thalassemia capital

Indians and South East Asians are genetically predisposedto have Thalassemia

More than 8000 reported Thalassemia births take place in India every year

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CARDIAC DISEASES