Treatment of Thalassemia

Treatment of Thalassemia
Treatment of Thalassemia

Treatment of thalassemia becomes mandatory in people with this disease. Because thalassemia causes a defect due to which new hemoglobin is not produced in the body which in turn inhibits new red blood cell formation. Thalassemia is not an infectious disease but instead is a genetically acquired the disease by birth.

This disease is very common among the population of South Asian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern countries, and also in Africa, and China. A special blood test known as hemoglobin electrophoresis is done to analyze if a person has thalassemia condition or not. So in case you want to know if you are at risk of it you may discuss it with your doctor and get a test done to get a clear diagnosis of it and opt for treatment of thalassemia.

Also, one gene from the mother and another form the father might result in three types of the condition which include Thalassemia Minor, Thalassemia Minor, or Thalassemia Intermedia. Moreover, blood transfusions at regular intervals are the treatment upon which maximum patient rely for lifelong. It enables the patients to survive through the condition comparatively in the normal situation than without transfusions. Since there is no certain cure of this disease for every patient and research is still on for that. But a bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a newly reliable option for a cure but that too is not possible in every patient’s case. BMT has its own criteria and requirements which are not fulfilled in every cased besides it is also an expensive option.

How long is the Treatment of Thalassemia?

Treatment of thalassemia can require blood transfusions usually every 2 to 4 weeks depending upon the condition of the patient. It helps the patient to form new red blood cells which are required for survival. But when these red blood cells broke down than it leads to excessive iron in the body. Iron is essential for the body but an excess of it leads to organ failure and even death. So this excess of irony also needs to be removed at times to restore the functioning of the vital organs like the heart, liver, lungs, etc.

New drugs for chelation of iron causing its removal are available nowadays. This helps the patients survive normally without many complications. Which is otherwise not easy to remove excessive iron buildup from the tissues and leads to a fatal situation. Life expectancy and even quality of life of thalassemia patients are improved by new medical advancements coming each day like iron chelators.

Treatment of thalassemia begins after a proper series of test to analyze the type and condition of the patient with the condition. Besides, the blood transfusions and medications there are options of getting bone marrow transfusion done, spleen or gallbladder removal surgery if required.

How can I get low-cost treatment of Thalassemia?

Treatment of thalassemia is available at a very economical price and with good success rates and highly satisfied patients from several international countries do opt it. India has recently turned into a place of choice for international patients for the treatment mainly because of comparatively cheap and high-quality treatment optioned offered by several Indian hospitals. The Indian medical resources have gone global after since internet and online systems have hit the world. Everything is available on websites you can get complete assistance regarding treatment from consultation bookings to even accommodation options. There are online portals run to help the international patient during their medical visits in India. We are one of the renowned medical assistance providers and you may reach for issues like finding the best suitable hospital for any particular disease to finding the best doctor for you in entire India. Feel free to reach us via live chat on our portal for any queries.

Related FAQs:

Q1: Is BMT the only treatment of Thalassemia?

A: No, there are other options for the treatment of thalassemia. Like blood transfusions, medications, and surgeries for spleen and gallbladder removal as per the requirement of the case. But BMT is the till date most reliable way to cure this condition of thalassemia whereas others can only help in the treatment of thalassemia.

Q2: Which is the best country for treatment of Thalassemia and why?

A: India is considered to be the best country for the treatment of thalassemia. Because of the economic and standard quality treatment options offered.

Q3: What is the success rate of Thalassemia’s treatment?

A: Treatment of thalassemia has a good success rate by helping the patients live a normal life. Further, patients with less than 30 years of age without treatment of thalassemia has lesser chances of heart complications but the risks increase without treatment. Although severe anemia is minimized by treatment of thalassemia which reduces chances of organ failure and other fatal conditions.

Is Beta Thalassemia Treatable?

Is Beta Thalassemia Treatable?
Is Beta Thalassemia Treatable?

Let us first try to understand, what is Beta Thalassemia?

Beta Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. It is characterized by reduced or defective production of beta-chains in hemoglobin (a component of blood). As a result of which, the patient may experience severe anemia or can remain clinically asymptomatic. Globally, an incidence of beta thalassemia is estimated to be around 100,000.  Since it is a genetic disorder, the severity of the disease depends upon the extent of gene mutation.

Now the next thing we should know is what are the symptoms. These range from mild to moderate anemia to severe organ related complication. A beta thalassaemic patient chronically suffers from symptoms such as low hemoglobin levels, jaundice (pale appearance or yellow color of the skin), irritability, slow growth, dark urine, deformities of the facial bones and a swollen abdomen. The appearance of these symptoms in a child often alarms the physician about the condition who then orders further tests.

One should know that there is the difference between a disease being curable and a disease being treatable. For example, a throat infection, take some antibiotics and you are good to go. But some diseases like Hepatitis B are incurable.

Same is the case for beta thalassemia. As far as the cure is concerned, bone marrow transplant has been tried but hasn’t shown promising results due to a number of side effects. But yes, “Treatment of Beta Thalassemia” is there. This has helped to increase the lifespan of thalassaemic patients without any complications. Nowadays, many major beta-thalassemia patients are leading a normal healthy life thanks to the development of new therapeutic measures.

Treatment of Beta Thalassemia:

Treatment major involves regular blood transfusions to keep the symptoms of anemia at bay. Jaundice and paleness still persist but the body now has blood to perform regular functions. In order to reduce the accumulation of iron in the body (due to the breakdown of RBCs and Haemoglobin molecules), the patient is given Iron Chelators. The iron chelation therapy basically consists of certain molecules which bind with the free iron getting accumulated in the liver and other important organs and facilitates its removal via the urine. Thus, like earlier times patients suffering from beta-thalassemia do not undergo organ failure from an accumulation of excessive iron in the body. Beta thalassaemic treatment also involves the daily folic acid supplements, regular check-ups for heart and liver (Cardiac function tests and Liver Function tests). Some patients may require certain surgical procedures such as removal of the spleen (splenectomy) because it gets enlarged to hoarding of dead RBCs. Also, in some cases, gallbladder removal may also need to be done.

Beta thalassemia, nowadays, is considered very much like other chronic disorders such as Diabetes or Hypertension which can be managed by life-long therapy. They lead normal lives, study, get jobs and get married. But as it is applicable to all of us, genetic counseling is a must before marrying and having kids. A person suffering from beta-thalassemia marrying a person with the gene have a 100% chance of passing on the gene to their child. While a person being treated for beta thalassemia major can also transfer the condition to his/her offspring even if the partner doesn’t have the gene.

Treatment of Beta Thalassemia is extensively available in India:

All these treatment options are available with us. We have a dedicated Transfusion Medicine department with excellent doctors that provide round the clock care and treatment to the patients. With the advent of high-technology blood banks and storage facilities risks related to blood have reduced as compared to earlier times. Proper matching of the antibodies is done before starting the treatment for beta thalassemia.

Some other risks associated with the blood transfusion are fever, chills, iron overload, allergic reactions, dizziness, and shortness of breath. But with us, you have got all of this sorted. We keep all of this in mind and our staff is well-trained to handle such complications. We prefer to inform the patient about all the pros and cons of the therapy before starting the treatment of beta thalassemia. Patients and their attendants know what to expect and what is being done.

About BloodCancerCure:

BloodCancerCure is the world’s first such organization working 24*7 on helping blood cancer patients. BloodCancerCure works for patients across the world by providing the lowest cost for bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and Bone marrow test. You can contact at +91-8448533753 to talk to our experts at BloodCancerCure for BMT treatment in India.