A 30-year-old member asked:
Is there any permanent cure for thalassemia other than blood transfusions for a thalassemic child?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Yes and No: Since the genetic signals for making abnormal blood cells cannot be changed, the likelyhood of a simple medication or treatment for the disorder is not likely with present technology. In theory, a stem cell transplant of doner bone marrow stem cells could change the childs blood production to a helthy cell line.This is itself a life threatening procedure performed in a limited research setting.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Only B.M.Transplant: The cure for thalassemia major is through bone marrow transplantation, either from umbilical cord blood stem cells or from donor bone marrow stem cells. Thalassemia minor is a mild form of the disease, so a transplant would not be needed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Scott Adamsanswered
Specializes in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Transplant: Bone marrow transplantation if the patient meets appropriate criteria.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 22, 2019
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