Thalassemias, (alpha, beta, and their subdivisions) are genetic disorders, affecting the number and the oxygen/carbon dioxide carrying ability of the erythrocytes. The later is due to defective heamoglobin structure.
The disease's severity depends on the severity of the defect, and the treatment likewise. For example, defect in Alpha thalassemia silent is very mild, therefore treatment might not even be necessary.
Treatments for the more severe types include blood transfusion, iron chelation, vitamin and folic acid supplementation, surgical removal of the spleen (in Alpha thalassemia major).
Researches into new treatments include donor blood and marrow stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, and activation of fetal haemoglobin.
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.
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.
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
Beta thalassemia variant
have seen one of my friends sister had kid and all normal no complications...not thalassemia either.........beta and alpha i think there is 25% normal chance
If you have beta thalassemia trait and your partner has sickle cell trait there is a 25% chance of your child having sickle beta thalassemia.
Yes, A "carrier" of alpha thalassemia and of beta thalassemia can marry, but not to someone with any hemoglobinopathy. Prof. Kornfeld Pal
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.
Beta-thalassemia is typically caused by mutations in the HBB gene located on chromosome 11. Common mutations include point mutations, deletions, or insertions in the HBB gene, leading to reduced or absent production of beta-globin chains in hemoglobin. These mutations disrupt the normal structure and function of hemoglobin, resulting in anemia and other symptoms associated with beta-thalassemia.
5 to 10 years
beta thalassemia
Thalassemia is carried on chromosome 11 and chromosome 16, depending on the type. The alpha-thalassemia gene is located on chromosome 16, while the beta-thalassemia gene is found on chromosome 11. Mutations in these genes affect the production of hemoglobin, leading to the various forms of thalassemia.