Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood disorders that affect approximately 1,000 individuals in the United States. The most severe of these disorders is Cooley's Anemia.

People with thalassemia have a genetic defect of their red blood cells that affects the cells' ability to produce normal hemoglobin. Red blood cells use hemoglobin to carry oxygen to tissues. As a result of the defect, most forms of thalassemia produce a chronic, lifelong anemia that begins in early childhood and often must be treated with frequent transfusions.

Prevention Activities

CDC is developing a new program to

• establish a surveillance system to monitor blood safety for thalassemia patients.
• establish a network of specialized health-care centers to promote the management, treatment, and prevention of complications experienced by persons with thalassemia.

For more information

Locate a thalassemia care center

Organizations

• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
• Cooley's Anemia Foundation
• Thalassaemia International Federation
• Kids Health

Blood Disorders Fact Sheets

You can view, download and print the following fact sheets.

• Blood Disorders Overview
• Blood Disorders in Women
• Blood Safety
• Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
• Diamond Blackfan Anemia
• Hemophilia
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Thalassemia