which type of anemia occurs as a result of thalassemia course hero

by Vicky Mraz III 10 min read

When does anemia occur?

So anemia can occur when there is less volume of blood (in cases like severe bleeding).

What are the different types of anemia?

Types of anemia scientifically: 1. Aplastic anemia: This is a condition that indicates damage to the red bone marrow of long bones. As we know, the red bone marrow is the site of erythropoiesis, i.e., the formation of blood cells. But due to the effect of radiation or drugs this bone marrow gets damaged.

What is the difference between microcytic anemia and microcytic anemia?

They are formed with incomplete cell division in the bone marrow leading to bulk than the normal size. Microcytic anemia is one where the RBC cells are smaller in size than the normal ones.

Why are my RBC cells so large?

Image showing large sized RBC cell among normal RBC cells. This is due to the lack of vitamin-12 or folic acid leading to mega RBS. This again happens due to improper multiplication of large cells formed in the bone marrow.

Why do red blood cells carry oxygen?

Red blood cells carry oxygen to different parts of the body. They have an iron pigment namely hemoglobin to do that. Anemia can occur either due to a decreased RBC count, decreased hemoglobin or the decreased blood volume. All these lead to the insufficient oxygen-carrying capacity tothe tissues and cells by the blood.

How long does anemia last?

These RBC’s are formed in the red bone marrow of the large bones in the body. They have a life span of 120 days.

What happens when RBC is kept constant?

RBC’s per deciliter of blood is kept constant to aid proper respiration. When RBC count per mm of blood falls, we experience anemia. This anemia is mostly found in women and children. The rate of incidence is as below. Pregnant women (38%) Children below two years of age (14%)

What is the cause of thalassemia?

It is caused by either a genetic mutation or a deletion of certain key gene fragments. Thalassemias are a heterogeneous grouping of genetic disorders that result from a decreased synthesis of alpha or beta chains of hemoglobin (Hb). Hemoglobin serves as the oxygen-carrying component of the red blood cells.

What happens to the alpha-globin chains in beta-thalassemia?

The excess unpaired alpha-globin chains in beta-thalassemia aggregate and form precipitates that damage red cell membranes and result in intravascular hemolysis. This premature death of erythroid precursor cells leads to ineffective erythropoiesis and later results in extramedullary expansion of hematopoiesis.

What is thalassemia genetic disorder?

Thalassemias are a heterogeneous grouping of genetic disorders that result from a decreased synthesis of alpha or beta chains of hemoglobin (Hb). Hemoglobin serves as the oxygen-carrying component of the red blood cells. It consists of two proteins, an alpha, and a beta.

What is it called when you have two mutated genes?

Two mutated genes: Signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe. This condition is called thalassemia major, or Cooley anemia. Babies born with two mutated beta hemoglobin genes are usually healthy at birth but disease starts to manifest after 6 months of life when fetal hemoglobin (Hb-gamma) disappears and is replaced by adult Hb.

Why is it important to do family studies for thalassemia?

Since having relatives carrying mutations for thalassemia increases a person's risk of carrying the same mutant gene, family studies may be necessary to assess carrier status and the types of mutations present in other family members.

How many mutations are there in thalassemia?

There are over 200 mutations identified as the culprits for causing thalassemias. Alpha thalassemia is caused by deletions of alpha-globin genes, and beta thalassemias are caused by a point mutation in splice site and promoter regions of the beta-globin gene on chromosome 11. [4] Epidemiology.

How much thalassemia is considered severe?

Moderate to severe thalassemia(Hb less than 5 to 6g/dl):