What is the primary risk for thalassemia major patients who are on a high transfusion program?
People who receive a lot of blood transfusions are at risk for iron overload. Red blood cells contain a lot of iron, and over time, the iron from all of the transfusions can build up in the body.
What are the complications that occur in severe thalassemia?
In cases of severe thalassemia, the following complications can occur:
- Bone deformities. Thalassemia can make your bone marrow expand, which causes your bones to widen.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Slowed growth rates.
- Heart problems.
What are the contraindications of blood transfusion?
Contraindications include: megaloblastic anaemia (vitamin B12 or folate deficiency – transfusion may cause heart failure and death), iron deficiency anaemia, transfusion in healthy adults and children where use of oral iron could rectify a low haemoglobin.
What is blood transfusion in thalassemia?
Blood transfusions could be a regular thing if you or your child has a blood disorder called beta thalassemia. The disease causes a drop in the amount of red blood cells you have. A transfusion gives you healthy red blood cells from a donor to make up for the ones you don’t have.
What are blood transfusions?
A blood transfusion is a common, safe medical procedure in which healthy blood is given to you through an intravenous (IV) line that has been inserted in one of your blood vessels. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body.
Why does thalassemia cause splenomegaly?
An enlarged spleen in individuals with beta thalassemia may occur due to increased destruction of red blood cells, the formation of blood cells outside of the bone marrow (extramedullary hematopoiesis), repeated blood transfusions, or iron overload.
Are there any serious complications from a blood transfusion?
Chronic transfusions prevent most of the serious complications of thalassemia major in growth, skeletal, and neurology.Nevertheless, once started, the complications related to transfusion become a major source of morbidity.
Are there blood transfusions for people with thalassemia?
People with thalassemia minor or trait usually do not need blood transfusions because they either do not have anemia or have only a mild anemia. Many times people with thalassemia are prescribed a supplemental B vitamin, known as folic acid, to help treat anemia. Folic acid can help red blood cells develop.
Is there a lack of standardized care for thalassemia?
Transfusion policies and complications are critical to quality of life and survival, but there is a lack of standardized care. Study design and methods: A survey of 58 items was completed in 2016 by 11 centers in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona providing long-term care for thalassemia.
What happens to your body when you have thalassemia?
Since your body has fewer red blood cells when you have thalassemia, you may have symptoms of a low blood count, or anemia. When you have anemia, you might feel tired or weak. You might also experience: Dizziness. Shortness of breath. A fast heart beat.