What it means
A group of genetic conditions in which one of the protein chains of hemoglobinHEE-muh-gloh-binThe iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.hem/o bloodglobin proteinFull entry (alpha or beta) is made poorly. Red blood cells are small and break down early, causing anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry that ranges from mild to severe. It is more common in people with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Southeast Asian and African ancestry. Severe forms need regular blood transfusions, which can overload the body with iron.
For the nurse
For clients on regular transfusions, watch for transfusion reactions and iron overload, and give iron-removing drugs (chelation) as ordered. Iron supplements are not given unless ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | talasemia |
|---|---|
| Also written | thalassaemia |
Related terms
hemoglobin
The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
blood transfusion
Giving blood, or a part of blood, from a donor into a person's vein.
red blood cell
A blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues; also called an erythrocyte.
sickle cell anemia
An inherited blood disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin makes red blood cells stiff and curved like a sickle.