Thalassemia is an autosmal recessive blood disease. That means that it is an inherited disease. Thalassemia in more common in Mediteranian people.
No, thalassemia is not a type of blood cancer. It is an inherited blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia and other complications. Blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, involve the uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells.
Thalassemia is classified mainly into two types: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia, based on which globin chain is affected. Alpha thalassemia occurs due to mutations in the alpha-globin genes, while beta thalassemia results from mutations in the beta-globin genes. Each type can further be categorized into various subtypes based on the severity of the condition, such as thalassemia minor (trait) and thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia). The classification helps determine the appropriate management and treatment strategies for affected individuals.
In a child of age 2, the most common type of thalassemia that can occur is beta-thalassemia. This condition is characterized by reduced production of hemoglobin due to mutations in the beta-globin genes. Children with beta-thalassemia often present with symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, and delayed growth. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes.
Thalassemia
Alpha thalassemia silent carrierAlpha thalassemia minor, also called alpha thalassemia traitHemoglobin H diseaseAlpha thalassemia major, also called hydrops fetalisBeta thalassemia minor, also called beta thalassemia traitBeta thalassemia intermediaBeta thalassemia major, also called Cooley's anemia or beta-zero (ß0) thalassemiaBeta-plus (ß+) thalassemiaMediterranean anemia
Thalassemia
The answer depends on the type of thalassemia, and ranges from stillbirth to normal life expectancy.
Yes, A "carrier" of alpha thalassemia and of beta thalassemia can marry, but not to someone with any hemoglobinopathy. Prof. Kornfeld Pal
An HBA2 level greater than 3 percent typically indicates the presence of beta-thalassemia, but it does not definitively determine whether the condition is major or minor. In beta-thalassemia minor, the HBA2 level is usually elevated, while in beta-thalassemia major, the level can also be elevated but is accompanied by more severe anemia and additional clinical symptoms. A thorough evaluation, including genetic testing and clinical assessment, is necessary to accurately diagnose the specific type of thalassemia.
No. A minor form of the blood disorder thalassemia is when you inherited just one beta thalassemia gene, along with a normal beta-chain gene. This manifests as mild anaemia with a slight lowering of the hemoglobin level in the blood. No treatment is require. By contrast, a thalassemia major, also known as Cooley's Disease, is when one is born with two genes for beta thalassemia and no normal beta-chain gene. This is a serious disorder.
Most probably he has beta thalassemia major, or Cooley's anemia What is the age of child ? If it is below 2 years it may be thalassemia major.
If you have Thalassemia major but your boyfriend is not a carrier then the child will be born a healthy carrier (thalassemia minor) but shouldn't need blood transfusions. If your boyfriend is a carrier then you would have a 50% chance of having a child with thalassemia major like you do.