In Jordan, thalassemia is a prevalent genetic disorder. It is estimated that roughly 3-5% of the population in Jordan contain the gene for thalassemia, and a considerable proportion of persons have the disorder.
What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a blood condition that runs in the family that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When there is a problem with the genes that make hemoglobin, thalassemia develops. This can be handed down from one generation to the next and result in anemia and other health issues.
The kind and severity of the illness can affect the symptoms of thalassemia. These might include brittle bones, pale complexion, anemia, weakness, weariness, and jaundice.
Treatments
Regular blood transfusions are a common component of thalassemia treatment and can support the body’s ability to maintain its red blood cell count. Other possible therapies include bone marrow transplantation, which can be used to treat specific types of the condition, and iron chelation therapy, which aids in the removal of extra iron from the body.
Most Prevalent Types of Thalassemia
When the genes that make hemoglobin’s alpha globin chain are defective, alpha thalassemia is the result.
When the genes responsible for creating the beta globin chain of hemoglobin are defective, beta thalassemia is the result.
The kind and quantity of gene abnormalities that are present can affect how severe thalassemia is. A severe form of anemia known as thalassemia major results from the body producing very little hemoglobin in some types of thalassemia.
Some types of thalassemia result in a lesser form of anemia called thalassemia minor because the body generates some hemoglobin but not enough to meet the body’s demands.
Thalassemia Inheritance
Thalassemia is inherited autosomally recessively, which means that for a person to have the condition, they must inherit two copies of the defective gene—one from each parent. Carriers are individuals who have only one copy of the faulty gene; they often do not exhibit symptoms but can convey the gene to their offspring.
Diagnosis
Thalassemia can be identified in a number of methods, including:
1- Blood tests: Blood tests can be performed to determine whether a person has thalassemia. The precise kind of thalassemia a person has can be determined via hemoglobin electrophoresis, a test that differentiates the various forms of hemoglobin.
2- Anemia is a common sign of thalassemia and can be detected by a complete blood count (CBC).
3- Genetic testing can be performed to diagnose thalassemia and pinpoint the precise genetic changes that are responsible for the condition.
4- Bone marrow test: A bone marrow test can be performed to determine the kind and degree of thalassemia. A small sample of bone marrow is taken during a bone marrow biopsy process and viewed under a microscope.
Thalassemia in Jordan
The World Health Organization estimates that Jordan has a thalassemia prevalence of about 7%. One of the highest rates ever recorded. Alpha-thalassemia is more prevalent in Jordan than beta-thalassemia, which is less prevalent but more serious.
The Jordanian government has put in place this restriction for marriage in an effort to stop the genetic blood illness from spreading. A quick blood test used in the screening procedure can find thalassemia and other inherited blood disorders.
If it turns out that one of the potential partners has thalassemia, they might be given the choice of receiving genetic counseling and additional testing to find out how severe the illness is. This screening requirement aids in ensuring that people with thalassemia receive the assistance and care required to manage their condition and aids in halting the disease’s transmission to subsequent generations.
The Jordanian government also supports thalassemia patients by offering chelation therapy, blood transfusions, genetic counseling, and testing.
However, Thalassemia is still associated with social stigma in Jordan, where it frequently results in prejudice and social exclusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several blood tests are used to diagnose thalassemia. Blood tests can be used to determine anemia and the exact kind of thalassemia, genetic testing can be used to determine the precise genetic abnormalities causing the condition, and bone marrow tests can be used to determine the type and severity of thalassemia.
As a result of its high prevalence, thalassemia is a serious public health issue in Jordan. It is an inherited condition that can cause a variety of symptoms and calls for ongoing care and assistance. Patients with thalassemia are receiving assistance from the Jordanian government.
The societal stigma that still surrounds the condition must be addressed. It is crucial to increase knowledge about thalassemia and how to prevent it, as well as to make it easier for people who are impacted by the condition to get care and assistance.
At Unilabs, you can get CBC and hemoglobin electrophoresis blood tests for thalassemia. Make an appointment right away.
Please note that Unilabs is accredited by the Ministry of Health to perform these tests for marital purposes.