Who gets beta thalassemia?

Who is at greatest risk of thalassemia, and who should be screened?

If you have a family history, you are at high risk for thalassemia. Thalassemia may affect both men or women. Alpha thalassemia is more common in certain ethnic groups: People of Southeast Asian, Indian or Chinese descent are most at risk.

What is the cause of beta-thalassemia? Mutations in the hemoglobin beta gene (HBB) are responsible for beta thalassemia. Individuals with beta-thalassemia minor have a mutation only in one HBB gene. However, individuals with intermediate and major beta thalassemia have mutations in both HBB genetics.

Is beta thalassemia a genetic condition?

Beta-thalassemia major or intermedia is usually inherited in an Autosomal Recessive fashion. This means that both copies of HBB gene in each cell are affected by mutations. Carriers are the parents of someone with an autosomal recessive condition who each have one copy of the mutated genes.

What are the symptoms for someone with beta thalassemia

Anemia, which is a lack of red blood cells in affected individuals, can lead to pale skin, fatigue, weakness, and other serious complications. People with beta thalassemia have a higher risk of developing abnormal bloodclots.