Pronounced: Thal-uh-SEE-mee-uhEn Español (Spanish Version)
Thalassemia is a blood disorder. It cuts down the amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin that the body can make. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all the organs in the body. Hemoglobin is a part of red blood cells that help grab oxygen at the lungs. Low levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin can lead to anemia. Anemia can result in a low level of oxygen in the body that interferes with normal bodily functions.
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Thalassemias are split into two main categories. The categories are based on the part of hemoglobin that is affected:
- Alpha thalassemia—based on the alpha part of hemoglobin
- Beta thalassemia—based on the beta part of hemoglobin
Thalassemia is caused by faults in specific genes. It is an inherited disorder. This means the affected person received the faulty genes from the parents. The severity of the thalassemia will depend on the number of faulty genes that a child inherits. There are four genes needed for hemoglobin, two from each parent. The number of genes that are faulty will determine the severity and subtype of thalassemia:
- One abnormal gene—silent carrier, no signs of illness but can pass condition on to child
- Two abnormal genes—thalassemia trait, may have mild anemia
- Three abnormal genes—Hemoglobin H disease, moderate to severe anemia
- Four abnormal genes—most severe form called Alpha hydrops fetalis, results in fetal or newborn death
In beta thalassemia
- One abnormal gene—Thalassemia minor, carrier with mild anemia
- Two abnormal genes—Thalassemia major known as Cooleys anemia, may have moderate to severe anemia
Last reviewedAugust 2013by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.