Question

Explain three different treatments and why they are useful for Thalassemia.

a) Blood transfusion (to replace deficient hemoglobin), Folate supplementation (to support red blood cell production), Bone marrow transplant (to provide normal stem cells)
b) Iron chelation therapy (to remove excess iron), EPO injections (to stimulate erythropoiesis), Splenectomy (to reduce hemolysis)
c) Hydroxyurea (to increase fetal hemoglobin), Blood thinners (to prevent clotting), Platelet transfusion (to improve platelet function)
d) Corticosteroids (to suppress the immune system), Intravenous immunoglobulin (to inhibit platelet destruction), Rituximab (to target B cells)

Answer 1

Thalassemia is treated with blood transfusions to alleviate anemia, iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload, and bone marrow transplants, which can be a potential cure by replacing faulty bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor (option a and b).

Step-by-step explanation:

Three different treatments for Thalassemia and why they are useful include:

• Blood transfusions are critical in Thalassemia treatment because they provide the patient with healthy red blood cells (RBCs) containing normal hemoglobin. This helps to alleviate the anemia that characterizes the condition.
• Iron chelation therapy is used to remove excess iron from the body, which accumulates due to frequent blood transfusions necessary for Thalassemia patients to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels.
• A bone marrow transplant replaces a patient's faulty bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor, potentially curing Thalassemia if the transplant is successful. Prior to transplantation, the patient's own diseased marrow is destroyed through radiation and/or chemotherapy, and then the donor cells are infused intravenously.

These treatments are part of a comprehensive care strategy to manage the symptoms, complications, and root cause of Thalassemia.

Hence, the answer is option a and b.