Beta Thalassemia Treatment

Beta-thalassemia is characterized by decreased beta-globin synthesis. It is an inherited blood disorder, which means that at least one of your parents is a carrier. When you have beta-thalassemia, your body produces less hemoglobin than usual. Hemoglobin is an iron protein found in red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Regular blood transfusions are arranged by healthcare providers and physicians for beta-thalassemia treatment in India. Other treatments may include bone marrow transplants, iron-lowering medications, daily folic acid, and so on.

The estimated cost of beta-thalassemia treatment in India is very low. The best-specialized hematologist in India provides exceptional medical care to patients suffering from beta-thalassemia.

What Is Beta Thalassemia?

Beta-thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by a lack of beta-globin chains in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to transport oxygen to the rest of your body’s cells and tissues.

To generate energy, the cells use oxygen from red blood cells. Low hemoglobin levels can result in a shortage of mature red blood cells and a lack of oxygen in the body. One of the two types of thalassemia is beta-thalassemia. Beta-thalassemia is classified into two primary subtypes based on the severity of its symptoms:

• Thalassemia Major (called Cooley’s anemia): A severe form characterized by severe anemia as well as enlarged liver and spleen.
• Thalassemia Intermedia- A milder form that causes less anemia and does not necessitate regular blood transfusions.

What Are the Symptoms of Beta Thalassemia?

The severity of your beta-thalassemia will determine your symptoms. With beta-thalassemia minor, you may have no symptoms or only mild anemia symptoms. Beta-thalassemia intermedia, and especially beta-thalassemia major, can cause moderate to severe symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms of beta-thalassemia:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches on a regular basis
• Pale (yellowish) skin
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Symptoms of jaundice
• Dark or tea-colored urine
• Slow growth or delayed development
• Abdomen swelling
• Weak or misshapen bones in the arms, legs, and face.
• Infants that have moderate to severe beta-thalassemia may get infections on frequent basis.

Signs and symptoms of thalassemia intermedia can appear in early childhood or later in life. The severity of this disease can vary and depend on the nature of the mutation.

What Are the Causes of Beta-Thalassemia?

Most cases of beta-thalassemia are caused by mutations in the HBB gene. A mutation in the alpha-globin chain causes alpha thalassemia, while mutations in the beta-globin chain cause beta-thalassemia, and mutations in the HBB gene eliminate or reduce beta chain production, causing hemoglobin damage.

A person becomes a carrier if they inherit one copy of a genetic mutation. This means they will be able to pass the gene on to their biological children. They will have mild symptoms, but in the majority of cases, they will have no symptoms at all.

A person who inherits two copies of the mutated gene may develop severe beta-thalassemia.

The disorder is frequently caused by the deletion of genetic material on the HBB gene, but many cases are hereditary and passed down through families.

Beta Thalassemia Treatment Cost in India

The average Beta Thalassemia Treatment Cost in India starts from INR 41,000 (USD 500) when compared with other well-developed countries. India offers a compelling alternative for anyone seeking excellent medical treatment at a fraction of the price paid in many Western countries. India is becoming a major global hub for medical tourism thanks to its state-of-the-art medical facilities, highly skilled medical professionals, and affordable treatment options.

Factors That Can Affect Beta Thalassemia Treatment Cost in India

• Need for post-operative care.
• Hospital room classification.
• The price of treatment packages can depend on the hospital’s preference.
• Doctor’s competence and experience in the subject.
• The patient’s situation: The patient’s disease and whether additional modalities are required for comprehensive treatment.
• Duration of hospitalization and stay in the country.

How the Diagnosis of Beta Thalassemia is Done?

A blood sample from a vein is usually taken and analyzed by your doctor for the diagnosis of beta-thalassemia. Tests may include the following:

• A complete blood count (CBC): The CBC test tells you about your blood cells and red blood cells. The test determines whether you have too few red blood cells and whether they are smaller, oddly shaped, or pale.
• Reticulocyte count: Reticulocytes are also known as immature red blood cells. If your reticulocyte count is low, it means that your body is not producing enough red blood cells. This can also lead to serious health problems such as anemia and bone marrow and liver disorders.
• Molecular genetic testing: Molecular genetic testing is typically used to detect changes in a single gene as well as large duplication or depletion, allowing the doctor to closely examine the hemoglobin and identify the mutation associated with beta-thalassemia.
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis: The hemoglobin electrophoresis test measures different types of hemoglobin proteins, providing healthcare providers with a snapshot of the situation.

If there are any concerns that the fetus may carry the mutated gene, the doctor may perform chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis during pregnancy. A person with beta-thalassemia may require additional ongoing tests of their organs and organ systems.

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