Why Jackie Shroff wants couples to get screened for this disorder before planning pregnancy

Jackie Shroff not only promotes green living, he also wants to create awareness about thalassemia, a blood-related disorder. “We need thalassemia awareness. We need to understand and talk about it. Everyone should get checked for it before pregnancy planning. If the mother and father are thalassemia minors, the child will be born as a thalassemia major. It means that every 15 days, he would need new blood for his entire life. That’s why get checked for thalassemia,” said Shroff in a conversation with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia.

But what is thalassemia?

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to produce less hemoglobin (than the recommended normal range). “One with this disorder has fewer healthy red blood cells,” said Dr Muralidaran C, consultant hematologist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.

Causes

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder wherein the body’s inability to produce hemoglobin effectively leads to many concerning health complications. “This condition is seen due to the mutations in the genes that aid in hemoglobin production, mainly affecting two main types: alpha and beta-thalassemia. The mutations are inherited, which means both parents must carry the defective gene for their child to exhibit symptoms of this condition,” said Dr Muralidaran.

Symptoms

Fatigue, breathing problems, feeling cold, dizziness, and pale skin. “One may also have weakness, abdominal swelling, brittle bones, poor appetite, and yellowish skin,” noted Dr Muralidaran.

Thalassemia is a blood disorder (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Transmission

Both parents must carry the gene for thalassemia for their offspring to be at risk of developing more serious forms of the disease, stressed Dr Muralidaran.

Prevention and treatment

Treatment for thalassemia depends on its severity. Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad noted that mild cases may require little to no treatment, while severe cases might need regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload, and possibly bone marrow or stem cell transplants for a cure. “Awareness and early intervention are essential in managing thalassemia and preventing severe complications,” said Dr Haricharan.

What to keep in mind

The complications of this condition are infection, higher iron levels, bone deformities, enlarged spleens, slow growth of the child, and heart problems.

 

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According to Dr Muralidaran, genetic testing plays a pivotal role in determining whether one’s partner tends to carry the Thalassemia genes. “One with this disorder will require a bone marrow transplant, some may need spleen removal surgery and even blood transfusion therapy,” said Dr Muralidaran.

One will also have to eat a healthy diet to keep the bones healthy, avoid being around sick people, take recommended vaccinations on time, and refrain from taking iron pills.

Awareness of thalassemia is crucial because early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

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