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In cases of severe thalassemia, the following complications can occur: This is especially true if you've had your spleen removed. People with thalassemia have an increased risk of infection. Too much iron can result in damage to your heart, liver and endocrine system, which includes hormone-producing glands that regulate processes throughout your body. People with thalassemia can get too much iron in their bodies, either from the disease or from frequent blood transfusions. Possible complications of moderate to severe thalassemia include: Thalassemia occurs most often in African Americans and in people of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian descent. Thalassemia is passed from parents to children through mutated hemoglobin genes.
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A milder form, called thalassemia intermedia, also can result from two mutated genes.įactors that increase your risk of thalassemia include: This condition is called thalassemia major, or Cooley anemia.īabies born with two defective beta hemoglobin genes usually are healthy at birth but develop signs and symptoms within the first two years of life. Two mutated genes, your signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe. This condition is called thalassemia minor or beta-thalassemia. One mutated gene, you'll have mild signs and symptoms.Two genes are involved in making the beta hemoglobin chain. In rare cases, a child born with this condition can be treated with transfusions and a stem cell transplant. Babies born with this condition often die shortly after birth or require lifelong transfusion therapy. Inheriting four mutated genes is rare and usually results in stillbirth. Three mutated genes, your signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe.This condition might be called alpha-thalassemia trait. Two mutated genes, your thalassemia signs and symptoms will be mild.But you are a carrier of the disease and can pass it on to your children. One mutated gene, you'll have no signs or symptoms of thalassemia.Alpha-thalassemiaįour genes are involved in making the alpha hemoglobin chain. In beta-thalassemia, the severity of thalassemia you have depends on which part of the hemoglobin molecule is affected. The more mutated genes, the more severe your thalassemia. In alpha-thalassemia, the severity of thalassemia you have depends on the number of gene mutations you inherit from your parents. In thalassemia, the production of either the alpha or beta chains are reduced, resulting in either alpha-thalassemia or beta-thalassemia. Hemoglobin molecules are made of chains called alpha and beta chains that can be affected by mutations. The mutations associated with thalassemia are passed from parents to children. Thalassemia is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells that make hemoglobin - the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.
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