Alpha and Beta's are two important protein chains of the haemoglobin.
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| The Alpha and Beta symbol (Alpha < left : Beta > right) |
Alpha Thalassemia
In a normal healthy human, everyone receives four alpha globin genes. In alpha Thalassemia, the person affected only has two to three normal alpha globin genes for haemoglobin.
Alpha is a very important gene, because without it you would DIE! A person without any alpha globin gene have a condition called 'Bart's hydrops fetalis' and the baby will die during the pregnancy or shortly after birth. Another condition is Haemoglobin H disease which the person only recieves one alpha globin gene.
Beta Thalassemia
In a normal person, only two beta globin genes are given. Beta Thalassemia is a condition where one in two beta globin genes are mutated. For a patient, like me, who has beta thalassemia major will need regular blood transfusions from three to four weeks to correct the anaemia and accumulate the excess iron.
Alpha is a very important gene, because without it you would DIE! A person without any alpha globin gene have a condition called 'Bart's hydrops fetalis' and the baby will die during the pregnancy or shortly after birth. Another condition is Haemoglobin H disease which the person only recieves one alpha globin gene.
Beta Thalassemia
In a normal person, only two beta globin genes are given. Beta Thalassemia is a condition where one in two beta globin genes are mutated. For a patient, like me, who has beta thalassemia major will need regular blood transfusions from three to four weeks to correct the anaemia and accumulate the excess iron.
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