Investigating the prolongation of blood transfusion frequency in thalassemic children by omega 3 fatty acid and protein supplementations through milk

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Thalassemia is an inherited genetic hemoglobin disorder wherein, afflicted child is born when both parents are carriers for defective alpha or beta hemoglobin gene. The thalassemias are the most common genetic disorder on a worldwide basis. The requirement of frequent blood transfusions in these patients pose a substantial burden on the health care system.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective observational study was conducted across 6 months (July 2018-December 2018) in a tertiary care hospital, Pune. The present study included 30 registered patient & their past 6 months record of blood transfusion (esp frequency), previous hemoglobin levels, height & weight. All these parameters were compared 6 months after supplementation with Omega 3 fatty Acids & proteins.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Total 16 of 28 patient showed that the average durations between two blood transfusions was increased by minimum 01 day to a maximum of 5 days. The average number of blood bag required was less than required blood bags in the period of pre supplementation. 20 of 28 patients showed a rise in hemoglobin level from a range of 0.5 to 1.2 gm/dl. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In a country like India, with the high frequency of hemoglobinopathies, causing increased burden on the society, it is necessary to control the incidence by effective steps. Low cost and easily administered supplementation by omega 3 fatty acid and proteins may reduce the requirement of repeated blood transfusion along with increase in hemoglobin level. Implementation of carrier screening program offering genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis followed by selective termination of affected cases would help in preventing the disease.</p>