Thalassaemia is an inherited disorder affecting the blood cells, producing either no or too little haemoglobin, which is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. Lack of haemoglobin results in reduced oxygen to every cell in the body.
It is also known as (Mediterranean Anemia) as it mainly affects people around the Mediterranean.
The types of thalassaemia a person may have are down to:
Second Type: Beta thalassaemia:
Thalassaemia is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells that make hemoglobin. Such mutations are passed from parents to children.
Symptoms vary based on thalassaemia type and severity. Some children with thalassaemia develop symptoms since birth, while others show within their first two years. Thalassaemia traits (with one gene mutation) may not suffer visible symptoms.
Thalassaemia is a group of inherited diseases that cannot be prevented. A person with thalassaemia infection or trait should consult a specialist in genetic disorders. To prevent vertical transmission, premarital screening is recommended to verify whether man or woman carries mutant chains of genes.
All Rights Reserved – Ministry of Health – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ©