About Thalassemia
Beta Thalassemia Treatment
Treatment depends on what kind of beta thalassemia someone has. Kids with beta thalassemia traits don’t need treatment.
Children with beta thalassemia major need lifelong medical care that includes
Blood transfusions about every 2–4 weeks
Medicines to remove extra iron from their bodies (called chelation)
Calcium Multivitamin and Folic acid supplements
Children with beta thalassemia intermedia may need
Blood transfusions but not as often as people with beta thalassemia major
Medicines to remove extra iron from their bodies (called Chelators)
Calcium, Multivitamin and Folic acid supplements
Blood transfusions and chelation do not cure beta thalassemia. Some people with beta thalassemia intermedia and major can be cured with a Bone Marrow Transplant. A Bone Marrow Transplant. is a serious procedure with involves many risks. Doctors and scientists are working on developing gene therapies and other treatments to help people with beta thalassemia.
If left untreated, these children develop an enlarged spleen and liver, osteoporosis, abnormal facial structure, infections, heart problems, and often death before their 2nd–4th birthday.