Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia in children, is one of the most common blood diseases in the Middle East. It is a disorder that begins in childhood and directly affects a child's life.
The affected child suffers from a persistent deficiency in hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. This deficiency leads to chronic anemia, which may cause facial pallor, poor growth, and fatigue.
What is Mediterranean anemia in children
It is a chronic hereditary blood disorder that occurs in children due to a defect in the formation of hemoglobin, a protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. This defect leads to the rapid breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
Causes of Mediterranean anemia in children
The primary cause is a genetic mutation that affects the production of the protein that makes up hemoglobin. The disease is inherited, meaning that a child must inherit the affected gene from both parents.
What are the symptoms of Mediterranean anemia in children
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition:
- Poor growth.
- Short stature.
- Dark urine.
- Liver enlargement. Malnutrition.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Cold extremities.
- Pale skin.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Severe anemia.
- Bouts of diarrhea.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Fatigue and general weakness.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Deformities of the facial and skull bones.
Are there types of thalassemia in children
Yes, there are types based on the severity of the disease:
- Thalassemia minor.
- Thalassemia intermedia.
- Thalassemia major.
Types based on genetic mutation:
- Alpha thalassemia
- Beta thalassemia
How is a child with thalassemia diagnosed
- A complete blood count (CBC) is performed.
- A hemoglobin electrophoresis is performed.
- Genetic tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis.
- X-rays and ultrasounds are performed to monitor the spleen and liver.
Complications of thalassemia in children
- Delayed puberty.
- Osteoporosis.
- Bone deformities in the child.
- Increased susceptibility to infection.
- Liver dysfunction.
- Developmental disorders in the child.
- Heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Immunopathy in the child.
- Thyroid disorders in the child.
Treatment of thalassemia in children
Treatment depends on the severity of the child's condition.
- Removing excess iron from the blood.
- Bone marrow transplantation for the affected child.
- Mild cases only require follow-up.
- Regular blood transfusions for the child in severe cases.
- Folic acid supplements to support blood formation.
Medications to treat thalassemia in children
- Prophylactic antibiotics.
- Medications to remove iron.
- Medications to support heart and liver health.
- Medications containing folic acid.
How to prevent thalassemia in children
One of the most important methods of prevention is premarital medical examination to ensure that the couple is not carrier of the disease gene. Fetal testing can also be performed during pregnancy for early detection of the disease.
Summary of Mediterranean anemia in children
Mediterranean anemia is a hereditary blood disease that affects children. It causes a defect in hemoglobin formation, leading to red blood cell breakdown and chronic anemia in children.
Despite the severity of the disease, early diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and medical follow-up help children cope better. Prevention through premarital screening remains the first line of defense against the spread of the disease in the community.