Beta Thalassemia and pregnancy

The main groups of Thalassemia

There are two broad groups. The first is called beta-Thalassemia (ß-Thalassemia).

The highest concentration of beta-Thalassemia is the Mediterranean region. The name comes from the Greek word "thalassa", which means "sea". This is because the condition was first found among children of Greek (and Italian) migrants.

As mentioned, the highest concentration of carriers is in the Mediterranean and, to some extent, the Middle East. In Cyprus, for instance, the carrier rate is high, at one in seven (1:7).

Compare this to the UK, where carrier rates are almost 1500 times lower at one in ten thousand (1:10,000).

Thalassemia major and minor

To have the overt full-blown condition, one needs to inherit the two defective genes from both parents, therefore making a pair of defective genes. This will produce a clinical condition termed as "major".

Thalassemia major is also known by the term Cooley's Anemia, named after the early 20th century American physician Thomas Cooley who first described it.

This is a very serious condition requiring special treatment for the entire life of the individual. The life expectancy is also considerably reduced.

Thalassemia minor, on the other hand, means in the particular pair of genes, there is one normal gene and one defective gene. In other words, this person will be known as a carrier of the disease. (Thalassemia Minor = carrier)

Effect of Thalassemia minor on general health

Compared to their counter-parts with Thalassemia Major; Thalassemia Minor individuals are much healthier, leading virtually independent lives.

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A blood slide of Thalassemia minor (above) and how it differs from Thalassemia major (below