How to Treat Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disease that is caused by a reduced rate of globin synthesis that makes up hemoglobin. Reduced synthesis of globin causes abnormally shaped hemoglobin molecules. This whole process can cause anemia, which is a deficiency of red blood cells, ultimately leading to lower levels of oxygen in the blood. Armed with information, patients and their care providers can learn how to treat thalassemia, for which there is no cure.

Things You'll Need

• Red blood cell transfusion
• Desferal
• Flu shot

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Instructions

Treat Thalassemia

• 1

  Determine whether a potential patient is an actual sufferer or merely carrying the disease. Carriers usually suffer no symptoms and need no treatment.

• 2

  Obtain frequent red blood cell transfusions. These should occur every two to three weeks.

• 3

  Engage in chelation therapy to rid the body of excess iron resulting from frequent blood transfusions. These therapies involve infusing the drug Desferal.

• 4

  Maintain compliance with the Desferal infusion to treat the iron overload. Although this treatment is difficult for patients, noncompliance can lead to health problems and premature death due to organ failure.

• 5

  Consider bone marrow transplants. They may be done to supplement the blood transfusions.

• 6

  Consider surgery if certain organs have been affected. Commonly affected organs are the gall bladder and spleen.

• 7

  Eat a healthy diet and do it regularly. Consider taking folic acid supplements to help replenish the red blood cell supply.

• 8

  Get a flu shot every year to fight off potential infections. A pneumococcal vaccine is also a good idea.