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Thalassemia Co-Risk Factors

Thalassemia is the term given to a group of disorders of the blood. With thalassemia, the hemoglobin, a protein found in the red blood cells that transports oxygen molecules to and from the lungs, is not normal. Therefore, the red blood cells are malformed, generally resulting in smaller than normal cells. In severe cases, this results in serious anemia. There are several risk factors that may make someone susceptible to thalassemia.

  1. Family Genetics

    • Thalassemia is a genetic disease that is passed down through the generations. According to the Mayo Clinic, when one or more genes regulating the production of hemoglobin are absent or not operating as they should, the body cannot make as much hemoglobin as needed. Because of this, the production of red blood cells is reduced. The thalassemia gene or genes will persist in the offspring in varying degrees of severity, such as the offspring being a carrier, rather than being symptomatic.

    Regional Ancestry

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, thalassemia is common to certain regions of the world; therefore, people with an ancestral lineage from these areas are more likely to be at risk. The regions where thalassemia is found include the Mediterranean region (Italy, Greece); the Middle East; the southern parts of Asia, like India; and Africa. In modern history, with so much intercontinental travel, thalassemia is showing up in other areas where people have immigrated from their native homeland; although, their ancestry still originated from the high-risk areas.

    Alpha Thalassemia

    • You could be at risk for thalassemia if one or both of your parents have the gene. Information from the Mayo Clinic says that alpha thalassemia is when the genes regulating the production of alpha globin are affected. This type is found mostly in populations from India, China, the Philippines and Southeast Asia. There are four genes involved, two that come from each parent. If a child receives only one affected gene, she is a carrier and will likely exhibit no symptoms at all. Two inherited genes cause only mild anemia. Three inherited genes cause more severe anemia, and four inherited genes cause major alpha thalassemia that can kill the fetus prior to birth or make the newborn so sick that she will not survive very long.

    Beta Thalassemia

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, beta thalassemia occurs in people from the Mediterranean region, northern Africa, the Middle East and India. There are two genes involved that can cause beta thalassemia, one from each parent. The only way to get beta thalassemia is to inherit the affected gene from both parents. The National Institutes of Health (MedlinePlus.com) lists the symptoms of beta thalassemia, which include a pale appearance, growth delays, anorexia (lack of appetite) and enlargement of the heart, liver or spleen. When only one gene is inherited, the offspring is a carrier and may have a mild form of anemia. Both inherited genes cause more severe anemia that may require regular blood transfusions.

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