الفهرس 
THALASSAEMIA
Alpha thalassemiaOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
In beta-thalassemia, there is deficient synthesis of beta globin,
while in α- thalassemia, there is deficient synthesis of alpha globin.
This leads to deficient hemoglobin accumulation, resulting in
hypochromic and microcytic red cells, ineffective erythropoiesis,
hemolysis, and a variable degree of anemia (Dambro and Mark,
2006).
Thalassemia is the most common form of inherited anemia
worldwide. The World Health Organization reports suggest that about
60,000 infants are born with a major thalassemia every year. Although
individuals originating from the tropical belt are most at risk, it is a
growing global health problem due to extensive population migrations
(El-Beshlawy et al., 2007).
Beta-Thalassemia represents a major public health problem in
Egypt. The carrier rate varies between 5.5% to ≥9%; it is estimated that
there are 1000/1.5 million per year live births born with β-thalassemia
(El-Beshlawy et al., 2009).
In spite of optimal treatment being available, only a few patients
can afford it. Unfortunately, most patients suffer from complications of
blood transfusions, mainly transfusion transmitted viral infections and
iron overload. Prevention by carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis is
needed in populations with high incidence of the disease, such as Egypt
(Novellettoet al., 1990).