Thalassemia anemia

• Thalassemia

This eMedTV Web page offers an in-depth look at thalassemia -- a group of blood diseases that occurs mostly in people of Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Southern Asian, and African ancestry. The various forms, symptoms, and treatments are discussed.

• Thalassemia and Who It Affects

There are two types of thalassemia: alpha and beta. This section of the eMedTV Web site describes thalassemia and who it affects. While anyone can get it, the condition seems to affect people in certain ethnic groups more than others.

• Beta Thalassemia

This eMedTV resource offers an in-depth look at beta thalassemia, which occurs when there is a problem with the beta-globin chain. Possible symptoms and treatment options are discussed, as are the disease's prevalence and inheritance patterns.

• Cooley's Anemia

People with Cooley's anemia have less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells than normal in their blood. This eMedTV Web page discusses the condition in detail, including causes, how it is inherited, symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis.

• Causes of Thalassemia

There are many possible combinations of variant genes that can cause thalassemia. This portion of the eMedTV library offers an in-depth look at the possible causes of thalassemia, which are linked to the genes that affect hemoglobin production.

• Symptoms of Thalassemia

Symptoms of thalassemia occur when not enough oxygen is delivered to various parts of the body. This eMedTV article includes a detailed list of possible symptoms, including anemia, abnormal facial bones, jaundice, and poor growth.

• Thalassemia Diagnosis

This eMedTV page describes how doctors make a thalassemia diagnosis using different blood tests. People with milder forms of the disease may receive a diagnosis after a routine blood test shows that they have anemia not caused by an iron deficiency.

• How Is Thalassemia Inherited?

How is thalassemia inherited? The condition is passed from parent to child. However, as this eMedTV page explains, the type of thalassemia a child develops (or even if the condition develops) depends on whether the gene came from one or both parents.

• Treatments for Thalassemia

This eMedTV page describes possible treatments for thalassemia, including surgery and stem cell transplants. Iron chelation therapy, which is another type of treatment, removes excess iron that builds up in the body with regular blood transfusions.

• Gene Therapy for Thalassemia Major

This eMedTV resource describes current research on gene therapy for thalassemia major, which may offer a cure for the disease. This genetic therapy could involve inserting genes to replace abnormal ones or encouraging fetal hemoglobin production.

• Living With Thalassemia

This eMedTV Web page provides a list of suggestions for people who are living with thalassemia. For example, it's important to maintain a healthy diet, follow your recommended treatment plan, and get a yearly flu shot to prevent infections.

• Thalassemia and Pregnancy

Approximately 100,000 babies worldwide are born with severe forms of thalassemia each year. This eMedTV page offers an in-depth look at the link between thalassemia and pregnancy, including options for couples with the condition who want to conceive.

• Thalassemia Prevention

While there is really no such thing as thalassemia prevention, this page on the eMedTV site explains how prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling can help minimize the chances of having a baby with the disease.

• Thalassemia Research

This eMedTV resource takes a look at thalassemia research on gene therapy and fetal hemoglobin. Scientists hope that by finding ways to enhance production of fetal hemoglobin in people with thalassemia, they can lessen the severity of the disease.