3. Thalassaemia is a hereditary disorder It can be inherited from both the parents It can affects males and female alike WHAT IS THALASSAEMIA? WHAT IS THALASSAEMIA?

4. PERCENTAGE OF RISK FOR EVERY PREGNANCY When both father and mother are thalassaemia carriers, The following can occur: PERCENTAGE OF RISK FOR EVERY PREGNANCY 25% chance the child will be thalassaemia patient 50% chance the child will be thalassaemia carrier 25% chance the child will be normal

5. THALASSAEMIA PATIENT Carrier Thalassaemia Patient (25%) Carrier (25%) Carrier (25%) Normal (25%) When both father and mother are thalassaemia carriers

6. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THALASSAEMIA PATIENT At birth: Child appears normal 3 – 18 months old: He/she will slowly show signs of anaemia which become severe SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THALASSAEMIA PATIENT

7. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THALASSAEMIA PATIENT As the child grows older: He/she appears very pale and sickly The child is often weak and restless Severe anaemia can cause breathing difficulties SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THALASSAEMIA PATIENT

8. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THALASSAEMIA PATIENT Without adequate treatment the child will develop: Distended abdomen due to enlargement of liver and spleen Stunted growth Changes in facial bone structures Jaundice SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THALASSAEMIA PATIENT

9. Blood Transfusion Chelation Therapy Bone Marrow Transplant TREATMENT FOR THALASSAEMIA PATIENT TREATMENT FOR THALASSAEMIA PATIENT

10. Blood Transfusion: Thalassaemia patients require blood transfusion on a monthly basis Continuous blood transfusion without chelation therapy will cause iron overload Complications from iron overload: Heart failure Multiple organ malfunction Endocrine disorders

11. Chelation Therapy: Bone Remove Transplant: Excessive iron can be removed by chelation therapy Bone marrow transplant can only be carried out if there is a suitable donor A bone marrow transplant

12. THALASSAEMIA IS AN INHERITED DISORDER Screen for thalassaemia Before starting a family. THALASSAEMIA

13. THANK YOU