THALASSEMIA – A HEREDITARY DISEASE THAT CAN BE PREVENTED THROUGH EARLY SCREENING

Thalassemia, also known as hereditary hemolytic anemia, is one of the most common inherited blood disorders worldwide. Although it can have serious lifelong health consequences, the disease is largely preventable through early screening and genetic testing before marriage or pregnancy.

What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the body's ability to produce normal hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. As a result, red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than normal, leading to chronic anemia.

In severe cases, patients require lifelong regular blood transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels, support normal growth and development, and prevent complications associated with severe anemia.

However, repeated blood transfusions also cause excess iron to accumulate in the body. Without proper iron chelation therapy, this excess iron can build up in vital organs such as the liver, heart, and endocrine glands, potentially leading to heart failure, liver disease, hormonal disorders, and other serious complications.

Thalassemia Is More Common Than Many People Realize

According to current statistics:

• Approximately 7% of the world's population carries the Thalassemia gene.
• In Vietnam, more than 12 million people are carriers of the disease.
• Every year, around 8,000 babies are born with Thalassemia, including approximately 2,000 children with severe forms of the disease who require lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy.

Beyond its impact on patients and their families, Thalassemia places a significant burden on healthcare systems and affects population health if effective preventive measures are not implemented.

Early Screening Is the Key to Prevention

As a hereditary disorder, Thalassemia cannot be transmitted from person to person. However, it can be effectively prevented through genetic screening and testing before marriage or pregnancy.

When both partners carry the Thalassemia gene, the risk of having a child with severe Thalassemia increases significantly. Therefore, premarital screening and genetic counseling are essential steps in helping couples make informed reproductive decisions and reduce the number of children born with severe forms of the disease.

Long-Term Management Is Essential

For individuals diagnosed with Thalassemia, continuous medical care is essential.

Regular blood transfusions combined with appropriate iron chelation therapy help maintain healthy hemoglobin levels, prevent iron overload, reduce complications, and improve patients' quality of life.

Thalassemia Treatment at TNH Viet Yen Hospital

TNH Viet Yen Hospital provides comprehensive treatment services for patients with Thalassemia, including blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy under the supervision of experienced physicians. Each patient receives individualized treatment and long-term follow-up to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable disease management.

If you need consultation regarding Thalassemia or other hematological disorders, please contact TNH Viet Yen Hospital. Our team of specialists is always ready to provide professional advice and comprehensive medical care.

Understanding the disease, undergoing early screening, and receiving appropriate treatment are the keys to reducing the burden of Thalassemia for individuals, families, and the community.

TNH HOSPITAL GROUP JOINT STOCK COMPANY

Hotline: 1900 8035

Website: https://tnh.com.vn

Hospital Network

• TNH Viet Yen Hospital
• Nguyen The Nho Street, Viet Yen Ward, Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam
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• 328 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, Phan Dinh Phung Ward, Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam
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