Thalassemia

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Why in News?

  • Children suffering from thalassemia in Madhya Pradesh were reported HIV-positive after repeated blood transfusions, raising concerns about blood safety.

What is Thalassemia?

  • Thalassemia is a genetic blood disease. It affects the body’s ability to make normal haemoglobin
  • Due to this, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen which results in long-term anaemia

How does it occur?

  • Passed from parents to children
  • It is not contagious
  • A child gets the disease only if both parents are carriers

Types of Thalassemia

  • Alpha Thalassemia – problem in alpha globin chains
  • Beta Thalassemia – problem in beta globin chains
    • Thalassemia Minor: mild, usually no symptoms
    • Thalassemia Major: severe, needs regular blood transfusions

Common Symptoms

  • Severe anaemia
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Poor growth in children
  • Pale skin
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Bone changes (in severe cases)

Diagnosis

  • Blood tests (low haemoglobin)
  • Haemoglobin electrophoresis
  • Genetic tests (confirmatory)

Treatment

  • Regular blood transfusions (especially in thalassemia major)
  • Iron chelation therapy to remove excess iron
  • Bone marrow / stem cell transplant – only permanent cure (limited cases)

Prevention

  • Carrier testing before marriage
  • Testing during pregnancy
  • Genetic counselling

Why Blood Safety is Important

  • Repeated transfusions can lead to infections like: HIV, Hepatitis B and C (From Donor)
  • Blood screening and donor tracking are guided by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO)

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