HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologybeta thalassemiaI am 6 months pregnant with beta thalassemia. Can you help?

I am 6 months pregnant.I have beta thalassemia.Please help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sameer Kumar

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 1, 2015
Reviewed AtFebruary 8, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 24 year old female. I am 6 months pregnant. My hemoglobin level is 8.3 g/dL and I have heterozygous state of beta thalassemia. My doctor has advised for blood transfusion. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to iciniq.com.

The beta thalassemia carrier state, which results from heterozygosity for beta thalassemia, is clinically asymptomatic and is defined by specific hematological features. Considering that you are 6 months pregnant and your hemoglobin is 8.3 g/dL indicates moderate anaemia. At this stage still blood transfusion is not recommended as per guidelines. You may have parenteral iron sucrose therapy which can easily bring your hemoglobin levels to 11 g/dL, which is an acceptable limit during pregnancy and then at 38 weeks if still your hemoglobin is less, then blood transfusion may be considered for you. Presently it is not indicated, though it is safe.

Wishing you good health.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your advice.

My doctor said that blood transfusion can be harmful as I have beta thalassemia and any iron dose can damage my liver and kidneys. Is that so? Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The reason it is safe is because it is a heterozygous state and hence you are a carrier and a thalassemia minor case. On the other hand blood transfusion is the main stay in cases of thalassemia major cases. So, it can be given safely. Secondly iron sucrose is not known to cause liver damage at all, it increases the hemoglobin levels naturally and if required can be combined with recombinant erythropoietin as well to hasten the hemoglobin response. Iron parenterally has to be given in a systematic form after calculating the deficiency and then the total amount of dose required to meet a target hemoglobin of 12 g/dL. It is to be administered on alternate days with a maximum dose of 200mg in a day to prevent any iron overload. So, there are no specific risks especially because of beta thalassemia as compared to a normal iron deficient woman.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sameer Kumar
Dr. Sameer Kumar

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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