What is heterozygous alpha thalassemia?
The heterozygous state for α+-thalassemia is clinically silent, while the heterozygous state for α0-thalassemia produces the α-thalassemia trait, a condition that is hematologically similar to the β-thalassemia trait. The homozygous state for α+-thalassemia results in a similar phenotype.
What is homozygous alpha thalassemia?
4. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia. Lack of all four alpha globin genes is associated with a severe intrauterine hemolytic anemia and hydrops fetalis, with massive hepatosplenomegaly, and, in most instances, fetal demise. The RBCs are very hypochromic, fragmented, and bizarre in shape.
What is alpha thalassemia HBA1 HBA2?
Alpha-thalassemia is an autosomal recessive condition that affects the red blood cells. It can affect people of any ethnicity, but is more common in people who can trace their ancestry to Southeast Asia, India, equatorial Africa, the Mediterranean, or the Arabian Peninsula.
Is alpha thalassemia serious?
However, health problems caused by alpha thalassemia and its treatment are common and can be serious. Severe thalassemia (severe hemoglobin H or hydrops fetalis) can cause heart failure and death.
How long do people with alpha thalassemia live?
Without close monitoring and regular treatment, the most severe types can cause serious organ damage and be life threatening. In the past, severe thalassaemia was often fatal by early adulthood. But with current treatments, people are likely to live into their 50s, 60s and beyond.
How is alpha thalassemia trait treated?
Blood transfusions—are the main treatment for people with severe alpha thalassemia. This treatment provides healthy red blood cells with normal hemoglobin. Because red blood cells only live about three months, repeated transfusions may be needed to maintain a healthy supply of red blood cells.
What does alpha thalassemia trait mean?
Alpha thalassemia is a blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin . Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells throughout the body.
How is alpha thalassemia trait diagnosed?
The following blood tests are done to check for the condition and to tell if you are a carrier and can pass the disorder on to your children:
- Complete blood count (CBC). This test checks the size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a set volume of blood.
- Hemoglobin electrophoresis.
- Ferritin.
- DNA testing.
Can you live with alpha thalassemia?
What are the survival rates for alpha thalassemia? Treatment for hemoglobin H has improved, and people with a moderate or severe form of the disorder are living longer with better quality of life. However, health problems caused by alpha thalassemia and its treatment are common and can be serious.
What are the symptoms of thalassemia trait?
Thalassemia signs and symptoms can include:
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Pale or yellowish skin.
- Facial bone deformities.
- Slow growth.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Dark urine.