Thalassemia Thalassemia is among the most common inherited disorders.

What is Thalassemia? A group of inherited blood diseases *Causes anemia like symptoms *Usually found in mediterranean region,Africa and Asia. The two main types are alpha & beta Thalassemia.

Causes Individuals with Thalassemia don’t produce enough alpha & beta proteins. Begins in early childhood. This causes the red blood cells to be unable to carry enough oxygen through the body. ( anemia)

Causes & Effects Cause Thalassemia is among the most common inherited disorders. Thalassemia is passed on through parents who carry the thalassemia genes in their cells. Effects As long as her partner does not carry a gene for thalassemia, her children will not inherit it. Although they will all be carriers of thalassemia.

Treatment Blood transfusions are used to treat sever forms of thalassemia. Unfortunately, repeated blood transfusions lead to a buildup of iron in the body. Iron buildup can damage the heart, liver and other organs. Bone Marrow transplant is an option.