Signs & Symptoms of Microcytic Anemia in Toddlers With Thalassemia

Microcytic anemia, a medical condition in which the number of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin in the blood is low, has a number of different causes, one of which is thalassemia. Thalassemias are a variable group of inherited blood disorders in which the body produces abnormal hemoglobin, the blood protein that carries oxygen to our organs and tissues. As genetic disorders, they are present from birth, though often symptoms begin to present themselves in the first one to two years of life, according to Merck Manuals. The signs and symptoms of microcytic anemia are variable and dependent on the severity of the patient's thalassemia.

Slowed Growth

• Patients with thalassemias ranging from mild to severe often display slowed growth. Infants and toddlers are likely not to hit their milestone growth numbers as they are tracked during their first two years. In older children, puberty may be delayed or even absent, according to Mayo Clinic.

Bone Problems

• Bone marrow, the spongy material inside our bones, is the body's site of production of red blood cells. Thalassemia can cause bone marrow to expand, in turn causing bones to become wider than normal, particularly in the face. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, bones may also become brittle and prone to fracture as a result. This symptom is observed in toddlers whose thalassemia ranges from mild to severe.

Splenomegaly

• Splenomegaly is the medical term for an enlarged spleen. The spleen is a fist-sized organ located below the rib cage whose functions include immune responses and the removal of unwanted materials. The spleens of patients with mild to severe thalassemia must work harder than in the average person's, causing the spleen to become enlarged, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. If the spleen becomes too enlarged, it may have to be surgically removed.

Enlarged Liver and Heart

• Toddlers with severe forms of thalassemia must receive blood transfusions as part of their treatment. One of the side effects of transfusions is a buildup of iron in the body, particularly the liver and heart. Over time, these organs become stressed and enlarged, resulting in decreased function, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

Jaundice

• Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, occurs in patients with severe thalassemia. This yellowing is a result of poor liver function, the liver having been damaged by the disease, its treatment or both.

Shortness of Breath

• Weakness and shortness of breath may be observed in patients with severe anemia. This may be due to poor heart function or a lack of oxygen. According to Mayo Clinic, shortness of breath is an emergency situation and patients should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.