Blood Transfusion Therapy
Regular blood transfusions greatly contribute to the quality and length of life of patients with thalassaemia major and have been a central aspect of the treatment of thalassaemia since 1960s.
If not effectively managed, the severe anaemia and over-expansion of the bone marrow characteristic of thalassaemia major can lead to
• Poor growth
• Facial and other bone deformities
• Fragile bones and bone fractures
• Enlarged liver and spleen (organomegaly)
• Impairment of normal physical activities .
Regular blood transfusions on a life-long basis - at least until a cure for thalassaemia major becomes available - can counteract or even prevent the development of these symptoms. However several factors must be taken into account when beginning blood transfusion therapy.
