Reminding that Thalassemia is the most common, preventable hereditary blood disease in the world and in our country, Altınkaynak said, “Although it is also called Mediterranean Anemia due to its frequent occurrence in the countries around the Mediterranean, it can be seen all over the world. Approximately 2.1 percent of the Turkish population is a carrier. This rate is “It can reach up to 12 percent in regions such as Antalya, Antakya and Mersin,” he said.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
Stating that the diagnosis of thalassemia can be made with very simple and easy blood tests such as complete blood count, peripheral smear (looking at blood cells under a microscope), hemoglobin electrophoresis, Altınkaynak said, “Depending on whether the genes in the mother and father are diseased, individuals can only be carriers, or they can be mild or severe.” “Every new thalassemia patient is born to a carrier mother and father. Therefore, in order to prevent the disease from occurring, it is important for couples who are getting married to be screened for thalassemia carrier status in regions where the disease is common,” he said.
Pointing out the importance of counseling the spouses if both spouses are carriers, Beytullah Altınkaynak said, “They should be directed to genetic diagnosis centers and the necessary tests should be completed before pregnancy. If there is a marriage between two carriers, couples should definitely consult a doctor in the first 2 months of each pregnancy and have the necessary tests done. Diagnosis in the womb : can be performed by chorionic villus biopsy, amniocentesis and cordocentesis.
In patients with thalassemia major (severe disease), iron accumulation occurs due to frequent blood transfusion. Iron can accumulate in the heart, liver, and hormone-secreting organs (endocrine organs). These problems can be prevented by regular use of iron-binding drugs (chelators). “In addition, although very rare today, these patients may develop infectious infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C due to the blood transfusions they receive,” he said.
Stating that Mediterranean anemia cannot be completely prevented, but preventive measures can be taken such as genetic counseling, prenatal tests, newborn screening and avoiding consanguineous marriages, Altınkaynak said, “The incidence of the disease can be reduced and complications that may develop can be delayed or prevented with the severity of the disease, symptoms and an age-appropriate treatment option.” (UAV)
