What is Alpha Thalassemia?
Alpha thalassemia genes can mix in different ways; this can range from the loss of one alpha thalassemia gene to the loss of four alpha thalassemia genes. Based on the number of alpha thalassemia gene(s) a person is missing, the different outcomes are listed below: • Missing one alpha thalassemia gene (silent carriers): (αα/α-), a silent carrier does not have any symptoms. • Missing two alpha thalassemia genes (alpha thalassemia trait): (αα/–) or (α-/α-), this normally does not cause health problems, but can cause low blood levels (anemia) and small red blood cells. • Missing three alpha thalassemia genes (Hemoglobin H disease): (α-/–), this disease causes health problems and requires treatment by a physician. • Missing four genes (Hydrops fetalis): (–/–), this is a life threatening disease.
