What is classification of Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia.
Alpha-thalassemia
Alpha-thalassemia is caused by mutations in the genes that control the production of the alpha-globin protein. The alpha-globin protein is one of the two globin proteins that make up hemoglobin. Alpha-thalassemia is classified according to the number of alpha-globin genes that are mutated:
* Alpha-thalassemia minor: This is the mildest form of alpha-thalassemia and is caused by a mutation in one of the four alpha-globin genes. Alpha-thalassemia minor does not usually cause any symptoms.
* Alpha-thalassemia intermedia: This is a more severe form of alpha-thalassemia and is caused by mutations in two of the four alpha-globin genes. Alpha-thalassemia intermedia can cause a variety of symptoms, including anemia, fatigue, weakness, and an enlarged spleen.
* Alpha-thalassemia major (Hb Barts hydrops fetalis): This is the most severe form of alpha-thalassemia and is caused by mutations in all four of the alpha-globin genes. Alpha-thalassemia major is usually fatal in infancy.
Beta-thalassemia
Beta-thalassemia is caused by mutations in the genes that control the production of the beta-globin protein. The beta-globin protein is the other of the two globin proteins that make up hemoglobin. Beta-thalassemia is classified according to the number of beta-globin genes that are mutated:
* Beta-thalassemia minor: This is the mildest form of beta-thalassemia and is caused by a mutation in one of the two beta-globin genes. Beta-thalassemia minor does not usually cause any symptoms.
* Beta-thalassemia intermedia: This is a more severe form of beta-thalassemia and is caused by mutations in both of the two beta-globin genes. Beta-thalassemia intermedia can cause a variety of symptoms, including anemia, fatigue, weakness, and an enlarged spleen.
* Beta-thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia): This is the most severe form of beta-thalassemia and is caused by mutations in both of the two beta-globin genes. Beta-thalassemia major usually requires lifelong blood transfusions.
Other types of thalassemia
In addition to alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia, there are also a number of other rare types of thalassemia. These types of thalassemia are caused by mutations in genes that control the production of other globin proteins, such as the delta-globin protein and the gamma-globin protein.