Patient's question:
What types of thalassemia are there? I am very worried because the child's symptoms keep recurring. We have already had tests done, and I hope the doctor can help us.Doctor's answer:
Generally, it can be divided into three types: (1): Anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and jaundice appear within days of birth and progressively worsen, accompanied by developmental delays. Its characteristic features include: a large head, wide-set eyes, a saddle nose, a prominent forehead, and prominent cheeks. The typical feature is a buttock-shaped head, and long bones may fracture. Skeletal changes are caused by hyperplasia of hematopoietic function in the bone marrow, widening of the medullary cavity, and thinning of the cortex. In some patients, chest masses may develop between the ribs and vertebrae, and cholelithiasis and lower limb ulcers may also be seen. Common complications include acute pericarditis, secondary splenomegaly, and secondary hemochromatosis. (2) Intermediate type: Mild to moderate anemia, and most patients can survive into adulthood. (3) Mild type: Mild anemia or asymptomatic, usually discovered during a family history investigation.