HbS Beta Thalassemia is the mildest form of sickle cell anaemia. This condition causes the red blood cells in the body to be sickle-shaped, which stops them from flowing through the blood vessels correctly. This can lead to various health complications for patients who suffer from this condition. It is a genetic condition that is caused by children inheriting a sickle cell trait from one parent and a beta-thalassemia trait from another.
The common symptoms of HbS Beta Thalassemia are:
HbS Beta Thalassemia is caused by children inheriting a sickle cell trait from one parent and a beta-thalassemia trait from the other. This causes the red blood cells to be sickle-shaped, which can lead to blockages in the blood vessels. The condition can be beta+ which causes a lower production of normal haemoglobin. It can also be beta0, which causes the complete absence of normal haemoglobin.
The only risk factor for developing HbS Beta Thalassemia is having parents that carry the genes necessary to cause HbS Beta Thalassemia.
Diagnosis of this condition is usually made by examining a blood sample from the patient. Molecular gene testing and high-performance liquid chromatography can also provide a diagnosis for this condition. Genetic testing can also be done to identify those who carry the genes for HbS Beta Thalassemia.
Treatment of HbS Beta Thalassemia is focused on preventing complications and treating the symptoms of the condition. This means that most patients with HbS Beta Thalassemia will need continuous care throughout their lives. Pain relief medications, as well as antibiotics, can be used to help manage the symptoms associated with this form of sickle cell disease.
Medications like hydroxyurea can also be given to help reduce the pain associated with HbS Beta Thalassemia and to prevent anaemia. Blood transfusions are another common treatment that many patients require on a regular basis. The only known cure for this condition is a bone marrow transplant. This transplant is called a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
There is no way to prevent this condition since it is a genetic condition. Parents who are considering having children can submit to genetic testing to see if they carry the gene for HbS Beta Thalassemia.