Beta-thalassemia

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Beta-thalassemia

Beta-thalassemia (pronounced: bay-tuh thal-uh-see-mee-uh) is a blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells throughout the body.

Etymology

The term "Beta-thalassemia" is derived from the Greek words "βῆτα" (beta, referring to the beta globin chain of hemoglobin) and "θαλασσαιμία" (thalassemia, meaning "sea blood", as the condition was first observed in populations around the Mediterranean Sea).

Symptoms

People with Beta-thalassemia may have no symptoms or mild symptoms. However, severe cases can cause health problems including anemia, failure to thrive, and delayed puberty.

Types

There are two main types of Beta-thalassemia: Beta-thalassemia major and Beta-thalassemia minor. Beta-thalassemia major is a severe form of the disorder that typically appears during the first two years of life. Beta-thalassemia minor usually has less severe symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for Beta-thalassemia may include regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and, in severe cases, a bone marrow transplant.

Related Terms

  • Anemia: A condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
  • Hemoglobin: The protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
  • Iron chelation therapy: A treatment for excess iron in the body.
  • Bone marrow transplant: A procedure that replaces unhealthy bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

External links

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