2. 3 MAIN POINTS:
1) What is Thalassemia?
2) The Signs & Symptoms
3) The Treatments
3. WHAT IS THALASSEMIA?
THALASSEMIA is an inherited blood disorders
"Inherited" means that parents pass the genes for the
disorder on to their children
cause the body to make fewer healthy red blood cells and
less hemoglobin than normal
Hemoglobin is an Iron-rich protein in red blood cells
It carries oxygen to all parts of the body and carries
carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs, where it's
exhaled.
4. Divided into 2:
I. Thalassemia minor
II. Thalassemia major (serious)
5. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
A pale and listless appearance
Poor appetite
Slowed growth and delayed puberty
Bone problems
Dark urine
Jaundice
An enlarged spleen, liver, and heart
6. TREATMENTS
Blood Transfusions
Iron Chelation Therapy (Deferoxamine and Deferasirox)
Folic Acid Supplements
Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant
Get Ongoing Medical Care
# test for blood counts and blood iron levels
# tests for heart function, liver function, and viral infection
# tests to check for iron buildup in your liver
# vision and hearing tests
# Regular checkups
# Other tests as needed