WHAT IS SICKLE B+ THALASSEMIA?
Sickle B+ Thalassemia (Sickle BA-ta Plus Thal-a-SEE-me-a) is a “mild” form of sickle cell disease. Your child’s red blood cells contain an abnormal hemoglobin called hemoglobin S or sickle hemoglobin in addition to a small amount of the normal hemoglobin called hemoglobin A. The red blood cells have a defect called beta plus thalassemia, which results in cells which are small in size and more pale than usual. Instead of appearing round or like donuts, your child’s red blood cells are somewhat small, pale and misshapen. Because Sickle Beta Plus Thalassemia (sickle-thal) is inherited, it is a lifelong disorder. There is no treatment or cure for the disorder. Your child will always have a mild anemia or a slightly low blood count. This may cause occasional tiredness and weakness.
