Thalassaemia (Causes of symptoms)

[piraterach]

Hi
Does any one know why in thalassaemia major there are bone deformities (particularly in the face)?
Thanks

[4GS]

Googled it and got this:

http://www.cmht.nwest.nhs.uk/directorates/neba ta/major.asp


Hope it helps

[LazyGun]

Its largely due to the bodies attempts to compensate for the congenital anaemia caused by the thalassaemia by increasing the numbers of sites of haemopoesis(increased production of blood cells) ,carried out in the bone marrow. The effects of this can be mitigated with transfusion therapy from birth.

[eyeshade]

Whilst we are on this subject and above posts seem to be in the know. How do you get this in the first place? I heard it is of mediterranean origin but is this true?

[LazyGun]

Thalassaemia can be found is prevelant around the areas of the southern mediterranean, middle east, the indian subcontinent, south east asia.
It is an inherited disease, and the different types of thalassaemia broadly speaking are linked to certain areas within the regions mentioned.
Thalassaemia trait is relatively harmless, and like sickle cell trait, is thought to be a defence mechanism against malaria.
However, if both parents have Thal. trait, then there is a relatively high chance that at least some of their offspring may inherit thalassaemia proper.