Thalessemia
Living With Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Long Medical Journey In the early months of life, a child who appeared healthy began showing signs that something was seriously wrong. At around 3 months of age, during a routine visit for polio drops, severe anemia was detected. Hemoglobin was critically low at nearly 3 g/dL, and the reticulocyte count was elevated at 11%, suggesting ongoing hemolysis and marrow stress. At that stage, the diagnosis was unclear. Possibilities such as dyserythropoietic hemolytic anemia were considered. Initial sickling tests were negative. However, further hematological workup gradually pointed toward a severe hemoglobinopathy. In July 2002, HPLC testing revealed: HbF around 88.7% HbA2 approximately 3.34% Markedly reduced adult hemoglobin fractions This pattern strongly suggested severe beta-thalassemia. Soon afterward, the child required the first blood transfusion of about 150 mL. Unfortunately, this was not a one-time event. Recurrent s...