"What Should Be Done for a Child with Thalassemia?"

Children with thalassemia require treatment based on the severity of their condition. If symptoms are mild, medications can be prescribed to alleviate discomfort; however, in severe cases, immediate medical attention, including blood transfusions and surgery, is necessary. Here are the main treatment approaches:

1. General Management:

For children with no significant clinical manifestations, avoid strenuous activities and overexertion, ensure adequate rest, and maintain a balanced diet.

2. Medication:

For children with severe or intermediate thalassemia, iron chelators can be used to remove excess iron from the body, such as deferasirox dispersible tablets and deferoxamine mesylate injection. Additionally, folic acid tablets may be prescribed to prevent megaloblastic anemia, but both medications should be administered under medical supervision to prevent adverse effects.

3. Blood Transfusion Therapy:

This is suitable for patients with severe or very severe thalassemia. Regular infusions of normal red blood cells help improve anemia, enhancing quality of life and prolonging lifespan. Typically, transfusions are administered every 4-6 weeks to maintain stable levels, but the frequency may increase to twice a week or more during acute hemolytic episodes.

4. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT):

Primarily used for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments and where conditions permit, HSCT involves transferring healthy hematopoietic stem cells from a compatible donor into the recipient's body to restore normal blood production and correct anemia. Due to its high cost and associated risks, this option is considered only when other methods fail to effectively control the condition. Other treatment options include splenectomy and gene therapy.

Parents are advised to closely monitor their children's health and seek prompt medical attention upon noticing any abnormalities to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.