Transmitting Thalassemia by parents carrying thalassemia genes to their children is a horror for such parents. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder and is characterized by the abnormal production of hemoglobin in the blood. The blood test can determine the severity of the same. Accordingly, the most effective treatment is sought from the reliable hospitals.

On this 8th May 2018, as we observe World Thalassemia Day, we on behalf of ILS Hospitals, spread awareness regarding its treatment options. But at the onset, we need to understand what are the various kinds of thalassemia patients and how are various treatment done to manage the same. Thalassemia minor are the individuals who are simply carrying the genes of the same, without any major impact on their own life. Whereas Thalassemia major are the individuals who are carrying the genes having a high risk of severe impact.

Thalassemia minor does not require any strict supervision or treatment post its primary evaluation. Thalassemia major with alpha and beta thalassemia must be warned regarding their respective conditions and best possible treatment options. They should also be aware of the closely related conditions such as iron deficiency and anemia so as to avoid misdiagnosis.

Blood transfusion

The most prevalent treatment options for thalassemia major includes a routine blood transfusion. It usually helps to prolong the life. The frequency varies as per the severity of the case, narrowing down to a couple of weeks for some cases. However, many a time, this frequent transfusion might result in the excess iron build up in few organs such as liver, heart etc.

Medication

As already mentioned multiple blood transfusions is a widely availed treatment for thalassemia, it often leads to an excess iron build-up in the body. To negate its ill-effects, routine medication is needed. This is usually done as chelation therapy, shots/oral medication of deferoxamine, deferiprone, or deferasirox. There are few side effects associated with each one whose severity varies from person to person.

Bone marrow transplant

As the marrow plays a crucial role in the overall composition of the blood. For very young thalassemia patients, a bone marrow transplant from a suitable donor can prove to be somewhat of a permanent cure for thalassemia, the success rate has been found as high as 80% to 90%.

Therefore, it is recommended for every thalassemia patient and their family to take note of the severity of the same and avail treatment accordingly.