THALASSEMIA

CARDIAC
DISEASE
S

WHAT IS THALASSEMIA?
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal 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.

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WHAT IS THALASSEMIA?

Depending on the type of genetic

abnormality, Thalassemia can
be
Alpha
Thalassemia

Beta
Thalassemia

Depending on the clinical

manifestation, Thalassemia can be
Thalassemia
Intermedia

Thalassemia
Major

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DISEASE
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TREATMENT OF
HYPERTENSION

THALASSEMIA INTERMEDIA
Mild symptoms
Require no or very few, blood
transfusions

THALASSEMIA MAJOR
Severe anaemia
Regular blood transfusions
necessary to survive

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Extreme
anaemia

SYMPTOMS OF
THALASSEMIA MAJOR

Growth
failure

Shortness
of breath

Recurring
infections

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SYMPTOMS OF
THALASSEMIA MAJOR
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

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SYMPTOMS OF
THALASSEMIA MAJOR

PRECAUTIONS
TO KEEP DURING
TREATMENT

Maintain normal
haemoglobin levels

Ensure white blood

Be sure that the
Regular doctor
cells are filtered
blood does not have visits and monitoring
out
blood-borne infections

PREVENTION
Get tested to know if you
are a carrier of Thalassemia

Get antenatal test to know if

the foetus has Thalassemia major

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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

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

Indians and South East Asians

are genetically predisposed
to have Thalassemia

India is considered
the Thalassemia capital

More than 8000 reported

Thalassemia births take
place in India every year

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DISEASE
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