An overview on thalassemia and challenges during COVID-19

Abstract

The thalassemia is a group of disorders in which the normal ratio of alpha globin to beta globin production is disrupted due to a disease-causing variant in one or more of the globin genes. This abnormal alpha- to beta-chain ratio causes the unpaired chains to precipitate and causes destruction of red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow (ineffective erythropoiesis) and circulation (hemolysis). Affected individuals with thalassemia have variable degrees of anemia and extramedullary hematopoiesis, which in turn can cause bone changes, impaired growth, and iron overload. The aim and objectives are to describe the basic genetic differences between alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia. Describe the hematologic findings and pathophysiological changes that are associated with beta-thalassemia major. Summarize the etiology of thalassemias and describe the basic genetic differences between alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia. Describe the genetic, hematologic, and clinical differences between alpha-thalassemia trait, hemoglobin H disease, and hydrops fetalis. outline the challenges of thalassemia during Covid 19 crisis. Thalassemia is the most common, inherited, single-gene disorder in the world. Treatment of the inherited blood disorder thalassemia depends upon the level of severity.