Best Thalassemia Doctors in Bangalore

Thalassemia is a severe inherited blood disorder that results from abnormal haemoglobin production, leading to inadequate red blood cells. This condition can be grouped into two primary types—alpha and beta thalassemia, varying in severity levels such as trait, minor, intermedia, and major. Treatments range from blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and genetic counselling, to prenatal testing. Severe cases might necessitate a bone marrow transplant or removal of the spleen or gallbladder.

In Bangalore, a city known for its high-quality medical facilities and experienced Thalassemia specialists, there is increased awareness and understanding of the condition. Apollo Hospitals Bangalore has always been at the forefront of providing expert care to those affected by this condition. Their specialists are well-versed in handling various complexities associated with the disease and are recognised as some of the best Thalassemia treatment doctors in India.

Types/Stages of Thalassemia

Thalassemia is characterised by various types and stages:

• Alpha Thalassemia Silent Carrier: Individuals harbour the defective gene but demonstrate no symptoms or have mild anaemia.

• Alpha Thalassemia Trait: Individuals show mild anaemia symptoms.

• Haemoglobin H Disease: A serious form of alpha thalassemia showcasing anaemia symptoms right from birth.

• Beta Thalassemia Minor: A slightly severe type with mild anaemia symptoms.

• Beta Thalassemia Intermedia: Individuals experience moderate anaemia symptoms.

• Beta Thalassemia Major, also known as Cooley's anaemia: This is the most severe form of beta thalassemia, marked by serious anaemia symptoms noticeable by age 2.

Symptoms of Thalassemia

Thalassemia presents with a variety of symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Pale or yellowish skin

• Facial bone deformities

• Slow growth and development in children

• Swelling in the abdomen and dark urine

• Chest pain and breathing problems

Tests to Diagnose Thalassemia

At Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, Thalassemia specialists use various diagnostic procedures:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To measure the number and characteristics of red blood cells.

• Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS):

  Examine the morphology of red blood cells under a microscope.

  Thalassemia may show features such as target cells, microcytosis, hypochromia, and nucleated red blood cells.

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography:

  Provides a quantitative assessment of different haemoglobin fractions.

  Detects elevated levels of HbA2, which is often indicative of beta thalassemia trait.

• Haemoglobin Electrophoresis: This test identifies the different types of haemoglobin in the blood.

• Genetic Testing: DNA analysis is used to detect mutated genes causing thalassemia.

• Prenatal Testing: Tests like Chorionic Villus Sampling and amniocentesis during pregnancy diagnose thalassemia in the fetus.

• Newborn Screening: A heel prick blood spot test often identifies Beta Thalassemia Major in newborns.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Thalassemia at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore

At Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, doctors for Thalassemia treatment offer the following treatments:

• Blood Transfusions: Regular transfusions maintain normal haemoglobin and red blood cell levels.

• Iron Chelation Therapy: Medications like deferoxamine, deferiprone, or deferasirox are used to remove excess iron accumulated due to regular blood transfusions.

• Folic Acid Supplements: These supplements aid in building healthy red blood cells.

• Allogeneic Hematopoietic Transplantation: A potential option for some cases, replacing faulty stem cells with healthy ones.

• Splenectomy: In severe thalassemia cases, surgical removal of the spleen may be required to improve health and reduce transfusion needs.