Living With
Beta Thalassemia
DIAGNOSIS
Doctors diagnose beta thalassemia through blood tests, complete blood counts (CBCs), and special hemoglobin tests.
Due to the genetic nature of the disease, parents can have blood tests to determine if they are carriers for the trait before becoming pregnant. In addition, an amniocentesis of the fetal amniotic fluid can determine if the child will develop beta thalassemia, and how severe it will be.
- A CBC measures the different kinds of blood cells, such as red blood cells, in a sample of blood. People who have thalassemias have fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin than normal in their blood. People who have alpha or beta thalassemia trait may have red blood cells that are smaller than normal.
- Hemoglobin tests measure the types of hemoglobin in a blood sample.
Due to the genetic nature of the disease, parents can have blood tests to determine if they are carriers for the trait before becoming pregnant. In addition, an amniocentesis of the fetal amniotic fluid can determine if the child will develop beta thalassemia, and how severe it will be.
SYMPTOMS
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All of the previously mentioned symptoms in addition to:
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Psychological Impacts:
A study conducted in 2005 by Alberto Brochette concluded that "those suffering from beta thalassemia trait might have increased susceptibiliy to bipolar disorder in specific populations." Additionally, numerous other studies have revealed the prevalence of mental and psychological distress among those undergoing treatment for beta thalassemia.