Thalassemia, also called Mediterranean anemia, is a blood disorder. This disorder is typically inherited and means there are smaller amounts of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the body than normal, says the Mayo Clinic. Lower amounts of hemoglobin and red blood cells means there is less oxygen circulating in the blood, which can cause fatigue. If vitamin supplementation is necessary, iron should be approached with caution. Prior to taking any supplements, it is best to consult with a health care professional to avoid any adverse effects.
Significance
Thalassemia is an inherited condition, and carriers of the gene may be unaware they have it. According to Science Daily, thalassemia is the most common inherited blood disorder, with 7 percent of the world's population being carriers, and 400,000 babies born each year with the condition. Populations typically affected with the condition include those of Mediterranean descent and individuals in Africa, Southeast Asia, India, southern China, Iran and some parts of Italy and Greece, says the Cooley's Anemia Foundation.
Types
There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia, according to the Cooley's Anemia Foundation. Alpha thalassemia occurs when individuals do not make enough alpha protein in hemoglobin; beta thalassemia is diagnosed when there is not enough beta protein in the hemoglobin. The Cooley's Anemia Foundation says that other disorders related to thalassemia can occur when the gene for the disease combines with a gene that has mutated.
Treatment
Mild cases of thalassemia may need little to no treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. Occasional blood transfusions may be necessary in some situations, like after childbirth or surgery. For moderate to severe kinds of thalassemia, treatment may involve more frequent blood transfusions, and in extremely severe thalassemias, a stem cell or bone marrow transplant may be needed, says the Mayo Clinic.
Iron Supplements
While individuals with thalassemia may need supplements, iron supplements are not usually needed. A side effect of frequent blood transfusions is the build-up of iron in the blood, because the body cannot filter all of the iron in the transfused blood. This can be dangerous to internal organs like the heart and liver. The Mayo Clinic states that medications called iron chelators may be necessary to help the body eliminate excess iron, and these may be given as a pill or injected under the skin.
Warning
Iron chelation therapy is an important part of treatment for thalassemia to avoid dangerous buildups of excess iron, but noncompliance with this therapy is common. The Cooley's Anemia Foundation says that some patients find the therapy very difficult to tolerate and so attendance at appointments may be poor. Without chelation therapy, complications may arise, the disease may become advanced and early death can occur.
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