Question
Dear pediatrician, how should thalassemia be treated? This condition recurs frequently in children, and they have undergone examinations. We hope to receive professional assistance.
Answer
Thalassemia is a genetic disorder with no known cure at present. Considering the health of future generations, bone marrow transplantation and blood transfusion are not effective solutions to the problem. Bone marrow transplantation is only suitable for severe thalassemia patients, and it is expensive, carries high risks, and requires lifelong use of immunosuppressive drugs. Mild thalassemia patients usually do not undergo this type of surgery. Blood transfusion is completely unnecessary, as thalassemia is not caused by nutritional deficiencies, so there is no need for special nutritional supplements; a balanced diet is sufficient.