What Is Cooleys Anemia?
Cooley’s anemia also known as Beta Thalassemia Major is an autosomal co – dominant genetic trait in which there is a diminished production of the beta globin chain f hemoglobin A causing severe anemia. It is primarily seen among Black, Oriental and Mediterranean population. Typically the symptoms develop after 6 months of life. The child’s bone marrow is hyperplastic and the RBCs are fragile. They seldom live until adult hood. Signs and symptoms are: severe anemia, splenomagely, headache, anorexia, weakness, pallor, bone pain, flat bones of face characteristically widened, hemosiderosis, bronze skin appearance, fibrosis of major organs (gall bladder, heart, liver, pancreas, spleen), delayed physical growth and sexual maturation. Cooley’s anemia is diagnosed by CBC revealing anemia, hemoglobin electrophoresis shows elevated reticulocyte count, elevated billirubin. X – ray shows increased medullary area with thinning of cortex. Medication Administer folic acid, and testosterone, and admi