What Are The Complications Of Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that occurs when an individual has less hemoglobin and lower counts of red blood cells in their body than they should. Because red blood cells and hemoglobin are responsible for the delivery of oxygen to all of the tissues around the body, an affected individual will develop anemia and feel frequently fatigued. Thalassemia happens when an individual has mutations in the DNA of the cells responsible for producing hemoglobin. Most of these mutations can be passed from a parent to their child. The majority of thalassemia patients develop symptoms within the first several years of their life. Diagnosis is made upon specific characteristics identified in a blood test. Thalassemia can vary in severity from requiring no treatment to requiring blood infusions or a stem cell transplant. Several possible complications can occur in individuals with untreated thalassemia.