alpha-thalassemia -severity depends on number of gene mutations you inherit; ; synthesis of the a chain of the hemoglobin protein is affected

beta-thalassemia- severity depends on part of the hemoglobin molecule is affected. the B-globulin chain in hemoglobin synthesis is reduced or entirely absent; severe hemolytic anemia and chronic hypoxia

Thalassemia minor (also called B-thalassemia trait): leads to mild microcytic anemia; often no treatment is required.

Thalassemia intermedia: child requires blood transfusions to maintain adequate quality of life.Thalassemia major: to survive the child requires ongoing medical attention, blood transfusions, and iron removal; Cooley's Anemia

Left untreated, B-thalassemia major is fatal by age 5 years, but use of blood transfusions and chelation therapy increases life expectancy of these children

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