Question
Dear pediatrician, can a person with moderate thalassemia live to adulthood? I am very worried about my child’s symptoms. He has been experiencing this repeatedly and has undergone checks. I hope the doctor can help us.
Answer
Hello, thalassemia is classified into three types: severe, intermediate, and mild. (1) Severe thalassemia patients may show signs of anemia, liver and spleen enlargement within a few days after birth, which gradually worsens, accompanied by jaundice and poor growth. These patients are prone to early death. (2) Intermediate thalassemia patients exhibit mild to moderate anemia but most can survive into adulthood. (3) Mild thalassemia patients have mild anemia or no symptoms, usually discovered during family history investigation. They can lead a normal life like others. It is recommended that you consult a doctor to understand whether treatment is needed.