-APS Noorpuri
-CHANDIGARH: On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day, Livasa Hospital, Mohali, held a press conference titled Thalassemia Major: recent development and future alternatives’, to raise awareness of Thalassemia – a serious genetic blood disorder – and highlighted recent advances and future opportunities in its leadership. The conference was addressed by Dr. Mukesh Chawla, Senior Consultant in Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, and Dr. Anmol Sidhu, Consultant Paediatrician, who continued the important need for timely diagnosis, extensive care and social training to compete more effective the disease.
In addressing contemporary treatment methodologies, Dr. Mukesh Chawla, Senior Consultant in Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, remarked, “The treatment landscape for Thalassemia has evolved significantly in recent years.” The mainstay of current therapy includes lifelong blood transfusions to manage anaemia, alongside iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload. However, bone marrow transplantation remains the only curative treatment currently available, although it is constrained by donor availability and cost. He also underscored the future potential of gene therapy, stating, “Recent advancements in gene editing and gene therapy offer promising avenues for a long-term cure. These therapies aim to rectify the faulty gene at the core of the disease, and ongoing global trials demonstrate encouraging results. While not yet widely accessible, they represent the future of Thalassemia care.”
Each year, approximately 10,000 to 15,000 children are born with Thalassemia in India, leading to an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 individuals living with the condition nationwide. The rising incidence of Thalassemia can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of awareness, insufficient screening protocols, and socio-cultural practices such as consanguineous marriages. Research conducted by AIIMS and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh has identified a notably higher prevalence of Thalassemia among specific communities, including Punjabi, Sindhi, Gujarati, and Bengali groups. This underscores the imperative for targeted awareness initiatives and tailored screening processes that address the unique needs of these communities.
Dr. Anmol Sidhu, Consultant Paediatrician, stated, “In pediatric care, managing Thalassemia involves more than just medical treatment; it requires long-term planning, family support, and timely screening.” With an increasing number of children diagnosed at an early stage, we have enhanced opportunities to facilitate normal growth, development, and an improved quality of life through a multidisciplinary approach to care.”
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by mutations in the genes responsible for the production of haemoglobin. Those affected by Thalassemia typically exhibit a reduced production of healthy red blood cells and decreased levels of haemoglobin, which can result in severe anaemia. The disorder is classified into two primary types: Thalassemia Major, which represents the more severe form, and Thalassemia Minor, characterised by a carrier state that may present with mild or no symptoms. This condition is inherited from one or both parents, and consanguineous marriages significantly increase the likelihood of it occurring.
The significance of establishing statewide carrier screening programs, raising public awareness, and offering genetic counselling to reduce the number of new cases was emphasised at the recent conference. Experts advocated for collaborative efforts between government entities and community organisations to integrate Thalassemia screening into standard health check-ups, particularly in populations identified as high-risk.
Livasa Hospital reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Thalassemia patients with comprehensive care, counselling, and access to advanced treatment options while contributing to national awareness and prevention initiatives.
