Thalassemia is a hereditary blood condition that affects the production of hemoglobin in the body. Hemoglobin is the protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. It is an inherited condition that can be passed down from parents to their children through their DNA.  Thalassemia causes anemia in the body that causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath in the body.

There are two different types of thalassemia - alpha and beta. Mild cases of thalassemia do not require any invasive treatments, but serious cases require continuous blood transfusions. About 4.4 out of every 10,000 live births around the world are affected by thalassemia. Alpha-thalassemia is more common in Southeast Asians, Middle Easterners, and individuals of African heritage. Beta-thalassemia is more common in prople of Mediterranean origin.

India has some of the best hospitals for thalassemia treatment that provide specialized care for people suffering from this condition. The symptoms of thalassemia vary depending on the type and its complexity. Common symptoms of thalassemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, slow growth, abdominal swelling, dark urine, trouble breathing, feeling cold, dizziness, palpitations, jaundice, and enlarged spleen.

Thalassemia can cause growth delays in children, the formation of gallstones, abnormal bone development, weakened bones, decreased fertility, as well as heart and liver complications and an increased risk to infections.

Blood transfusions are effective in managing thalassemia symptoms by producing healthy red blood cells and improving oxygen transport throughout the body. Thalassemia can be diagnosed through various tests and screenings. Blood tests are used to diagnose the condition and determine its complexity; other diagnostic tests include the Complete Blood Count (CBC), Reticulocyte Count, Iron Studies, Haemoglobin Electrophoresis, and Genetic Testing. Blood tests can also be used to test for thalassemia during pregnancy.

The standard common treatment for thalassemia is continuous blood transfusions. However, this treatment can lead to iron overload, which can damage organs such as the heart and liver. Folic acid supplements are also prescribed to help the body produce healthy blood cells. Other treatment options for thalassemia include Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant, Luspatercept, Hormone Therapy, Vaccinations and Antibiotics, Thyroid Hormone Replacement, and Bisphosphonates. Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant is a rare and high-risk treatment option kept for the most severe patients.

Untreated thalassemia can result in serious complications such as heart failure, liver issues, iron overload, and recurrent infections. The severity of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment plan impact the life expectancy of people with thalassemia.

The total cost of thalassemia treatment in India includes a 15-day hospital stay, followed by 90 days of outpatient care. This includes preoperative diagnostics, the procedure itself, and treatment choices such as chelation therapy, stem cell therapy, and blood transfusion, post-operative costs, including follow-up appointments, medication, and the patient's hospital stay. The cost of each blood transfusion can be around 160 USD. Bone marrow transplant costs may vary based on the type of transplant the patient need.

Autologous bone marrow transplant: USD 16,000 - 25,000

Allogenic bone marrow transplant: USD 25,000 - 38,000

Haplo bone marrow transplant: USD 37,500 - 50,000

Unrelated bone marrow transplant: USD 60,000 - 90,000