Is thalassemia minor Microcytic or Macrocytic?

Is thalassemia minor Microcytic or Macrocytic?

Thalassemias are a common cause of microcytic anemia and are due to impaired synthesis of the globin protein component of hemoglobin.

What is thalassemia minor trait?

People who have thalassemia trait (also called thalassemia minor) carry the genetic trait for thalassemia but do not usually experience any health problems except perhaps a mild anemia. A person may have either alpha thalassemia trait or beta thalassemia trait, depending upon which form of beta protein is lacking.

What happens in thalassemia minor?

Persons with thalassemia minor have (at most) mild anemia (slight lowering of the hemoglobin level in the blood). This situation can very closely resemble that with mild iron-deficiency anemia. However, persons with thalassemia minor have a normal blood iron level (unless they are iron deficient for other reasons).

What is Macrocytic and Microcytic?

In microcytic anemia, red blood cells (RBCs) are smaller than normal. In macrocytic anemia, RBCs are larger than normal. Making this distinction in the size of RBCs will help doctors figure out the cause of a person’s anemia.

Why are RBC Microcytic in thalassemia?

Thalassemia is microcytic-hypochromic anemia. It is caused by the decreased synthesis of 1 or several globin chains. Since globin synthesis is flawed, the disease is one of the so-called hemoglobinopathies.

What are the symptoms of thalassemia trait?

Thalassemia signs and symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue.
  • Weakness.
  • Pale or yellowish skin.
  • Facial bone deformities.
  • Slow growth.
  • Abdominal swelling.
  • Dark urine.

Can minor thalassemia be cured?

Mild forms of thalassemia trait don’t need treatment. For moderate to severe thalassemia, treatments might include: Frequent blood transfusions. More severe forms of thalassemia often require frequent blood transfusions, possibly every few weeks.

What should I do if I have thalassemia minor?

If you have mild thalassemia, you might not need treatment. But more severe forms might require regular blood transfusions. You can take steps to cope with fatigue, such as choosing a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Why thalassemia is called microcytic Anaemia?

Several different types of anemias can be described as microcytic. Microcytic anemias are caused by conditions that prevent your body from producing enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a component of your blood. It helps transport oxygen to your tissues and gives your red blood cells their red color.

What causes microcytic vs Macrocytic anemia?

Microcytic red cells are seen in iron deficiency and thalassemia. Normocytic red cells are observed in bone marrow, inflammatory, or renal disorders. Macrocytic red cells are a feature of vitamin deficiencies.

What is thalassemia minor (beta thalasaemia minor)?

Beta Thalassemia Minor (or Thalassemia Minor), a rare genetic blood disorder, is a defect in the synthesis of beta chains of hemoglobin (a protein that carries oxygen to the tissues). Unlike Thalassemia Major, Thalassemia Minor has only one defective beta globin gene.

What are the RBC and MCV levels in thalassemia?

• The RBC count in thalassemia is either normal or on higher side of normal • MCV usually less than 70 in • The RDW is usually in the normal range • Low RBC count • MCV usually more than 70 • RDW is usually more than 17 Distinguishing Features Between Iron Deficiency and Thalassemia

What are the chances of thalassemia passing to children?

If both parents of a child are carriers of Thalassemia Minor, then there is a 25% chance that the child develops Thalassemia Major. If only any one parent is affected by Thalassemia Minor, then the disorder will be passed on to the child

How do you test for thalassemia minor?

Hemoglobin electrophoresis showing slight increase in HbA2 and mild reduction in normal adult hemoglobin, HbA. Iron studies showing high serum iron and low transferring iron binding capacity. DNA analysis can be done to establish a diagnosis in patients with anemia, highly suspicious of Thalassemia Minor.