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Signs & Symptoms of Cooley Anemia

Cooley's anemia, or Beta Thalassemia, is a genetic blood disorder most commonly seen in Mediterranean, Asian and African ethnic groups. Patients with this disorder cannot make enough hemoglobin, resulting in lower red blood cell count and severe anemia.

  1. Signs

    • According to the U.S. Library of Science, infants born with Cooley's anemia appear normal at birth but develop severe anemia during the first year of growth.

    Internal Symptoms

    • The National Institute of Health states that symptoms within the body include reduced irregular heartbeat, heart failure, infections, dark urine, shortness of breath, low red blood count, gallstones, liver swelling, spleen swelling, and abdominal swelling.

    External Physical Symptoms

    • According to the U.S. Library of Science, patients with Cooley's anemia externally exhibit symptoms including skeletal deformities, facial deformities, irritability, skin pallor, and jaundice.

    Growth and Sexual Symptoms

    • The Library of Science further states as the children develop, they experience growth and sexual development symptoms including poor growth, absence of menstruation in girls, delayed puberty, and lack of sexual development.

    Outlook

    • According to the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, untreated patients with Cooley's anemia typically die from heart failure by their 20s. However, patients who receive regular blood transfusions can live into their 30s or 40s.

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