Is beta thalassemia life threatening?

Is beta thalassemia life threatening?

Beta thalassemia major (also called Cooley's anemia). People with beta thalassemia major have severe symptoms and life-threatening anemia. They need regular blood transfusions and other medical treatment.

What is the life expectancy of beta thalassemia major?

Persons with the thalassemia trait have a normal life expectancy. Persons with beta thalassemia major often die from cardiac complications of iron overload by 30 years of age.

Can thalassemia lead to death?

Severe thalassemia can cause early death (between ages 20 and 30) due to heart failure. Getting regular blood transfusions and therapy to remove iron from the body helps improve the outcome. Less severe forms of thalassemia often do not shorten lifespan.

Is thalassemia a serious disease?

This is a condition called anemia. People with thalassemia may have mild or severe anemia. Severe anemia can damage organs and lead to death.

Is thalassemia minor serious?

Thalassemia minor is a less serious form of the disorder. There are two main forms of thalassemia that are more serious. In alpha thalassemia, at least one of the alpha globin genes has a mutation or abnormality. In beta thalassemia, the beta globin genes are affected.

How long can a thalassemia patient live?

“Most thalassaemia patients would live up to the age of 25 to 30 years. Improved facilities will help them live up to the age of 60,” said Dr Mamata Manglani, head of pediatrics, Sion hospital.

Who is at risk for beta thalassemia?

Who is at risk for beta thalassemia? Beta thalassemia is a genetic disease inherited from one or both parents. The only risk factor is having a family history of the disease.

Does thalassemia shorten your life?

A person with the thalassemia trait has a normal life expectancy. However, heart complications arising from beta thalassemia major can make this condition fatal before the age of 30 years.

Can beta thalassemia cause miscarriage?

Miscarriage occurs mostly in cases of thalassemia homozygous fetuses or those with severe IUGR.

Who is at risk for thalassemia?

Certain ethnic groups are at greater risk: Alpha thalassemia most often affects people who are of Southeast Asian, Indian, Chinese, or Filipino descent. Beta thalassemia most often affects people who are of Mediterranean (Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern), Asian, or African descent.