Brief overview Description: Genetically caused disease of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) that leads to anemia. Diagnosis: The doctor diagnoses thalassemia by a special blood test and an analysis of the genetic material (DNA analysis). Causes: An inherited genetic defect that causes the body to make too little or no red blood pigment (hemoglobin). Symptoms: … Thalassemia: Cause, Symptoms, Diagnosis
Introduction Thalassemia is a hereditary disease of the red blood cells. It involves a defect in hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein complex responsible for the red blood cells’ ability to bind oxygen. It is not produced in sufficient quantities or is broken down in greater quantities, resulting in a haemoglobin deficiency. Depending on the severity of … Thalassemia
Prognosis The prognosis of thalassemia is strongly dependent on the severity of the disease. Patients with mild forms can usually lead a normal life without major restrictions. In the severe form of the disease, the effectiveness of the therapy and any complications that arise are important. The prognostic prospects of the disease in the individual … Prognosis | Thalassemia
When is ferritin elevated? Generally, one speaks of an increased ferritin if the ferritin value rises above the normal limits for the respective sex and age. The limits are usually somewhat higher in childhood than in adulthood, and men have a significantly higher ferritin limit than women. Limit values: Infants and newborns within the first … Ferritin value too high
Diagnostics The first stage of diagnostics includes the anamnesis, in which typical symptoms can be asked for by the doctor. Frequently, the attending physician can already make assumptions about the causes of the increased ferritin concentration after the anamnesis. A blood sample is then taken so that the blood values can be examined in the … Diagnostics | Ferritin value too high
Treatment of a too high ferritin value The therapy of the increased ferritin value is initially carried out using so-called chelating agents. These are chemical complexes that are particularly suitable for binding iron. In this way, the elevated iron in the blood, which is usually associated with the increased ferritin value, can be bound. The … Treatment of a too high ferritin value | Ferritin value too high
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disease with a malformation of the red blood pigment. The result is anemia (“anemia”) that requires lifelong treatment. However, bone marrow transplantation can also help in cases of fully developed thalassemia. What is thalassemia? Thalassemia is an inherited form of anemia (“anemia”). The disease is also called Mediterranean anemia after … Thalassemia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
