Thalassemia is a group of genetic
blood disorders that affect approximately 1,000 individuals in the
United States. The most severe of these disorders is Cooley's Anemia.
People with thalassemia have a
genetic defect of their red blood cells that affects the cells'
ability to produce normal hemoglobin. Red blood cells use hemoglobin
to carry oxygen to tissues. As a result of the defect, most forms of
thalassemia produce a chronic, lifelong anemia that begins in early
childhood and often must be treated with frequent transfusions.
Prevention activities
CDC is developing a new program to
-
establish a surveillance system
to monitor blood safety for thalassemia patients.
-
establish a network of specialized health-care centers to promote the management,
treatment, and prevention of complications experienced by persons
with thalassemia.
For more information
Locate a thalassemia care center
Organizations
Cooley's Anemia Foundation
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Date: November 21, 2005
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities