What is Thalassemia?

It is an inherited genetic disease of hemoglobin in Red Blood Cell (RBC) in the blood; it means it passes on from parents to children through defective genes. Children are born with it. It is not something you get the disease by coming into contact with another person. Know more in detail.

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How thalassemia major is treated?

At present the most commonly available treatment consists of regular blood transfusions in hospital every 4-6 weeks and daily iron removing treatment (Iron chelating medicine).

Information for thalassemia carriers

This is a form of thalassemia. It does not affect the health of the person who has thalassemia minor. It will not impair your work or your life style. A thalassemia trait (minor) will always be a trait. It will never turn in to a severe form of thalassemia major. It is due to genetic defect.

Living with Thalassemia

Lifelong treatments and regular monitoring are important for children with severe form of thalassemia. Bone marrow transplantation is not possible for all patients because of multiple reasons. The most important reason is to get the best-matched donor. Regular blood transfusion, excess iron removing medications and regular checking of growth, development and well being are the most important and commonly available treatments for many children with thalassemia major.

Bone Marrow Transplantation in thalassemia

The bone marrow transplantation is also called Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This is the potential cure for severe form of thalassemia. However, it is not very easy because of multiple reasons. The most important reason is it is difficult to find a suitable bone marrow donor. Moreover, the procedure for bone marrow transplantation is very challenging and whole process is very expensive.

Meet the Specialist

Consultant in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Dr. Zainul Aabideen is an experienced and highly skilled Consultant in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology based in the United Arab Emirates.

Having gained his medical degree at Calicut University in Kerala, India, followed by his Post Graduation in Pediatrics from the University of Mumbai, Dr. Zainul Aabideen transferred to the United Kingdom in 2001 to undertake further training in these areas

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