Diseases
thalassemia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Thalassemia is an inherited (i.e., passed from parents to children through genes) blood disorder caused when the body doesn't make enough of a protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells. Thalassemia is a treatable disorder that can be well-managed with blood transfusions and chelation therapy.
Symptoms
- fatigue
- weakness
- pale or yellowish skin
- facial bone deformities
- slow growth
Causes
- thalassemia is caused by mutations in the dna of cells that make hemoglobin — the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Risk factors
- family history of thalassemia.
- certain ancestry.
Diagnosis
- complete blood count (cbc)
- prenatal testing
- genetic testing
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is thalassemia?
Thalassemia is an inherited (i.e., passed from parents to children through genes) blood disorder caused when the body doesn't make enough of a protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells. Thalassemia is a treatable disorder that can be well-managed with blood transfusions and chelation therapy.
What are the symptoms of thalassemia?
fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, facial bone deformities, slow growth
What causes thalassemia?
thalassemia is caused by mutations in the dna of cells that make hemoglobin — the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Which medicines are used for thalassemia?
deferasirox
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