Anemia

Thalassemia

(Synonyms: Mediterranean anemia, Cooley's anemia)

Thalassemia includes a group of genetic blood disorders that inhibit a person's ability to produce and maintain normal red blood cells. Viewed under a microscope, the red blood cells from a patient with thalassemia often look pale and small. Physicians diagnose the disorder most commonly in children of Mediterranean, Southern Asian or Eastern Asian descent, but it can occur in patients of any ethnic group. Symptoms of thalassemia, which usually appear by age 1, include shortness of breath, failure to grow normally, yellowing of the skin, fatigue or decreased ability to exercise.

Treatment

Treatment for thalassemia depends upon the severity of the condition. Patients who carry a thalassemia gene and are not anemic require no treatment. Blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, splenectomy, or bone marrow transplants may be part of treatment.

Bone Marrow Transplant

In severe cases of thalassemia, a bone marrow transplant may be considered. Experienced transplant physicians at Mayo Clinic work with the patient to carefully weigh the options, risks and benefits. Physicians use chemotherapy or radiation to destroy the patient's bone marrow before matched bone marrow from a donor is transplanted. Bone marrow transplant may require a lengthy stay at a Mayo Clinic hospital. Read more about bone marrow transplant.