Best Thalassemia Doctors in Chennai

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder resulting from abnormal haemoglobin production, leading to a shortage of red blood cells. It is primarily distinguished into alpha and beta thalassemia, each having varying severity levels such as trait, minor, intermedia, and major. Thalassemia specialists and Thalassemia doctors use a combination of genetic testing, prenatal testing, and certain blood tests like haemoglobin electrophoresis for its diagnosis. Treatment options range from blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy to severe measures like bone marrow transplants or surgeries to remove the spleen or gallbladder.

In Chennai, Thalassemia is quite common due to its distinct lifestyle and culture Apollo Hospitals Chennai is equipped with advanced medical facilities, including specialised clinics and experienced Thalassemia disease treatment doctors providing the best treatment available.

Types/Stages of Thalassemia

Thalassemia is categorised into two primary types based on the specific globin chain affected. It's crucial to identify the specific type and severity for effective treatment planning:

1. Alpha Thalassemia: Ranges from silent carrier stage to alpha thalassemia major depending on the severity.

   • Alpha Thalassemia Minima: One mutated gene, usually asymptomatic.

   • Alpha Thalassemia Minor: Two mutated genes, mild anaemia.

   • Haemoglobin H Disease: Three mutated genes, chronic anaemia requiring regular blood transfusions.

   • Alpha Thalassemia Major: Four mutated genes, the most severe form causing hydrops fetalis.

2. Beta Thalassemia: It includes subtypes like beta thalassemia minor and major, also known as Cooley's anaemia.

   • Beta Thalassemia Minor (Beta-Plus Thalassemia): One mutated gene, mild and usually asymptomatic.

   • Beta Thalassemia Major (Cooley Anemia, Beta-Zero Thalassemia): Two mutated genes, severe symptoms requiring lifelong blood transfusions.

   • Beta Thalassemia Intermedia: Intermediate form with mild to moderate symptoms.

Symptoms of Thalassemia

When recognising Thalassemia, one may experience the following symptoms:

• Fatigue and general weakness

• Yellowish or pale skin

• Facial bone deformities

• Slow physical growth in children

• Dark urine

Tests to Diagnose Thalassemia

At Apollo Hospitals Chennai, doctors for Thalassemia treatment utilise various tests for diagnosis:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures various characteristics of red blood cells to reveal any abnormalities.

• Haemoglobin Electrophoresis: Used to separate different types of haemoglobin in the blood, especially useful in diagnosing beta-thalassemia.

• Genetic Testing: An effective way to look for mutated genes responsible for causing thalassemia.

• Prenatal Testing: Tests like chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis enable diagnosis during pregnancy.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Thalassemia at Apollo Hospitals Chennai

Thalassemia treatment doctors at Apollo Hospitals Chennai offer various options including:

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

• Iron Chelation Therapy: This treatment removes excess iron accumulated due to regular blood transfusions, preventing organ damage.

• Folic Acid Supplements: Aids in building healthy red blood cells, recommended alongside other treatments.

• Bone Marrow Transplantation: Though not common due to the significant risks involved, this is the only curative treatment replacing faulty stem cells with healthy ones from a donor.

• Surgical Options: The best doctors for Thalassemia treatment in Chennai also recommend surgical options like splenectomy and gallbladder removal surgery in severe cases.