![]() ![]() If you have thalassemia, or if you carry a thalassemia gene, consider talking with a genetic counselor for guidance if you want to have children. In most cases, you can't prevent thalassemia. Congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms can be associated with severe thalassemia. Anemia can both slow a child's growth and delay puberty. If your spleen grows too big, your doctor might suggest surgery to remove it. ![]() This causes your spleen to enlarge and work harder than normal.Īn enlarged spleen can make anemia worse, and it can reduce the life of transfused red blood cells. Thalassemia is often accompanied by the destruction of a large number of red blood cells. The spleen helps your body fight infection and filter unwanted material, such as old or damaged blood cells. Bone marrow expansion also makes bones thin and brittle, increasing the chance of broken bones.Įnlarged spleen. This can result in abnormal bone structure, especially in your face and skull. Thalassemia can make your bone marrow expand, which causes your bones to widen. In cases of severe thalassemia, the following complications can occur: This is especially true if you've had your spleen removed. People with thalassemia have an increased risk of infection. Too much iron can result in damage to your heart, liver and endocrine system, which includes hormone-producing glands that regulate processes throughout your body. People with thalassemia can get too much iron in their bodies, either from the disease or from frequent blood transfusions. Possible complications of moderate to severe thalassemia include: Thalassemia occurs most often in African Americans and in people of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian descent. Thalassemia is passed from parents to children through mutated hemoglobin genes. A milder form, called thalassemia intermedia, also can result from two mutated genes.įactors that increase your risk of thalassemia include: This condition is called thalassemia major, or Cooley anemia.īabies born with two defective beta hemoglobin genes usually are healthy at birth but develop signs and symptoms within the first two years of life. Two mutated genes, your signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe. This condition is called thalassemia minor or beta-thalassemia. ![]() One mutated gene, you'll have mild signs and symptoms.Two genes are involved in making the beta hemoglobin chain. In rare cases, a child born with this condition can be treated with transfusions and a stem cell transplant. Babies born with this condition often die shortly after birth or require lifelong transfusion therapy. Inheriting four mutated genes is rare and usually results in stillbirth. Three mutated genes, your signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe.This condition might be called alpha-thalassemia trait. Two mutated genes, your thalassemia signs and symptoms will be mild.But you are a carrier of the disease and can pass it on to your children. One mutated gene, you'll have no signs or symptoms of thalassemia.Alpha-thalassemiaįour genes are involved in making the alpha hemoglobin chain. In beta-thalassemia, the severity of thalassemia you have depends on which part of the hemoglobin molecule is affected. The more mutated genes, the more severe your thalassemia. In alpha-thalassemia, the severity of thalassemia you have depends on the number of gene mutations you inherit from your parents. In thalassemia, the production of either the alpha or beta chains are reduced, resulting in either alpha-thalassemia or beta-thalassemia. Hemoglobin molecules are made of chains called alpha and beta chains that can be affected by mutations. The mutations associated with thalassemia are passed from parents to children. Thalassemia is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells that make hemoglobin - the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Make an appointment with your child's doctor for an evaluation if he or she has any of the signs or symptoms of thalassemia. Some people who have only one affected hemoglobin gene don't have thalassemia symptoms. Some babies show signs and symptoms of thalassemia at birth others develop them during the first two years of life. Thalassemia signs and symptoms can include: ![]() The signs and symptoms you have depend on the type and severity of your condition. ![]()
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