A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THALASSEMIA IN SOUTH INDIAN TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Thalassemia syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by inherited mutations that decrease the synthesis of adult haemoglobin, Hb-A [alpha2 beta2]. Depending on whether the genetic defect or deletion lies in transmission of alpha or beta globin chain genes, thalassemia are classified in to Alpha and Beta Thalassemia. Materials and methods: A Retrospective study was carried out in RIMS Kadapa for two months. Patient demographic details, type of thalassemia, prevalence of thalassemia, Hb levels, known & new cases were collected. Results: A total of 139 cases were diagnosed as having thalassemia in between February 2017 – March 2017. Among which 55 cases were seen in between 11-15 years followed by 6-10 years [38cases] later 0-5 years [38 cases] , 16-20 years [2 cases] 31-35 years[1case]. Highest number of cases was observed in males [91 cases] than females [48]. In our study we couldn't identify type of thalassemia in 122 cases as it was not written in the case sheets. Conclusion: There is a urgent need for making the people aware of this threatening disease Thalassemia, as this disease increasing day by day in the population silently. Health education programmers in the society may reduce the burden of the disease. Moreover, the complications of Thalassemia are one of the major problem on which one has to focus. Diagnosis of Thalassemia, treatment in the early phase may reduce the economic burden and complications in the society. Key words: Alpha thalassemia, Beta thalassemia, RBC destruction, Anemia.