Beta Thalassemia Information

Beta Thalassemia Information

Beta thalassemia syndromes are a group of hereditary disorders characterized by a genetic deficiency in the synthesis of beta-globin chains. In the homozygous state, beta thalassemia (ie, thalassemia major) causes severe transfusion-dependent anemia. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene must be altered for a person to be affected by the disorder. In beta thalassemia minor (ie, beta thalassemia trait or heterozygous carrier-type), one of the beta-globin genes is defective.

Signs and symptoms of Beta Thalassemia

Signs and symptoms of Alpha Thalassemia appear in the first 2 years of life.

• pale and listless
• have poor appetites
• grow slowly
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• The spleen, liver, and heart may also be enlarged.

More information on thalassemia

Beta thalassemia
Alpha Thalassemia
Thalassemia minor
Thalassemia major
Thalassemia Symptom