Understanding Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body produces less haemoglobin than normal. This results in fewer healthy red blood cells and can lead to anaemia. Thalassemia is passed from parents to children through genes and cannot be caught or spread like an infection.

Types of Thalassemia

There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia. They are named according to the part of the haemoglobin molecule that is affected. Beta-thalassemia can be further classified according to its severity:

• Thalassemia Minor (Trait): Usually causes no symptoms or only mild anaemia and generally does not require treatment. However, a person with thalassemia trait can pass the affected gene to their children.
• Thalassemia Intermedia: Causes mild to moderate anaemia. Some patients may need occasional blood transfusions depending on their condition.
• Thalassemia Major: A severe form of thalassemia that usually requires regular medical treatment and blood transfusions. With appropriate treatment and regular monitoring, patients can live healthier and longer lives.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms may include fatigue and weakness, pale or yellowish skin, slow growth in children, an enlarged spleen or liver, and dark urine. In children with Thalassemia Major, symptoms often begin to appear during the first two years of life.

Treatment

• Regular Blood Transfusions: Many patients with Thalassemia Major require regular blood transfusions, often every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on their individual medical needs.
• Iron Chelation Therapy: Repeated blood transfusions can cause excess iron to build up in the body. Iron chelation medicines help remove this excess iron and reduce the risk of damage to important organs such as the heart and liver.
• Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant: A stem cell transplant can potentially cure thalassemia in suitable patients, particularly when a well-matched donor is available. Eligibility depends on several medical factors.

How Ali Zaib Foundation Helps

Ali Zaib Foundation provides free blood transfusions and subsidised iron chelation therapy to thalassemia patients through our centres in Faisalabad, Jhang, and other areas. We also provide regular screening, medical support, and family counselling.

Every unit of blood used for transfusion is carefully screened for transfusion-transmitted infections, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Malaria, and Syphilis, helping us provide safer blood transfusions to our patients.