Over 12 million Vietnamese carry gene for thalassemia: hematology institute

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control reported that thalassemia is one of the most common inherited diseases in the world, with around seven percent of the global population carrying the gene.

Each year, approximately 8,000 children in Vietnam are born with thalassemia, of whom about 2,000 suffer from severe forms of the disease, and around 800 fetuses cannot survive due to hydrops fetalis.

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects both males and females.

The two main symptoms are anemia and iron overload in the body. 

People with thalassemia often experience delayed physical development and complications caused by anemia and excess iron.

Currently, there is no cure for thalassemia. 

Treatment mainly involves lifelong symptom management. 

As a result, patients face many hardships, challenging treatments, and a significant impact on their quality of life, as well as that of their families and society as a whole.

Without early and adequate treatment, patients may suffer from complications such as heart failure, liver failure, and endocrine disorders. 

Anemia and iron overload can also alter physical appearance, leading to short stature, a prominent forehead, a flat nose, and protruding teeth.

Doctors recommend that couples undergo screening and receive premarital counseling. 

Couples planning to have children or who are already pregnant, especially those with a family history of thalassemia, should seek genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.