Basic Q&A from doc on duty, scan to check if baby's fine etc.
Thalassemia results shows Im an Alpha carrier, advised to go for further DNA test to see if hub's affected as well, previous 2 test shows he's negative though...more waiting..
Alpha thalassemia: when the body has a problem producing alpha globin
Alpha globin is made on chromosome 16. So, if any gene that tells chromosome 16 to produce alpha globin is missing or mutated, less alpha globin is made. This affects hemoglobin and decreases the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body.
Types of Alpha Thalassemia
Alpha globin is made by four genes and one or more can be mutated or missing, so there are four kinds of alpha thalassemia:- One missing or abnormal gene makes a child a silent alpha thalassemia carrier. Silent alpha thalassemia carriers have no signs or symptoms of the disease, but are able to pass thalassemia on to their children.
- Two missing or mutated genes is a condition called alpha thalassemia minor or having alpha thalassemia trait. Children with this condition may have red blood cells that are smaller than normal (microcytosis) and sometimes very slight anemia.
People with alpha thalassemia minor usually don't have any symptoms at all, but can pass thalassemia on to their children. The two abnormal genes can be on the same chromosome (called the cis position) or one on each chromosome (called the trans position). If two genes on the same chromosome are affected, the person can pass along a two-gene defect to his or her child. This situation is much more common in people of Asian descent. - Three missing or mutated genes is called hemoglobin H disease. Signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe.
- Four missing or mutated genes is a condition known as alpha thalassemia major or hydrops fetalis. This almost always leads to a fetus dying before delivery or a newborn baby dying shortly after birth. However if this disease is suspected because of a history in the family, it can be diagnosed prenatally. Sometimes, if treatment is initiated before the baby is even born, the baby can survive.
