Carriers of the thalassemia gene generally do not require treatment.
Thalassemia is a group of hereditary hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by defects in the bead protein gene that reduces or fails to synthesize one or several bead protein peptide chains in hemoglobin, resulting in changes in the composition of hemoglobin. There are four types of peptide chains that make up bead proteins, i.e., α, β, γ, and δ chains, which are respectively coded for by the corresponding genes, and the deletion or mutation of the genes can result in the obstruction of synthesis of the peptide chains. Deletion or mutation of these genes can cause the synthesis of various peptide chains to be impaired, resulting in the alteration of Hb components.
Thalassemia gene carriers are patients who carry the thalassemia gene but do not express it and do not have anemia, and usually do not need treatment. However, these patients should undergo preconception examination and genetic counseling before giving birth.
Thalassemia gene carriers should have pre-pregnancy genetic counseling, take appropriate measures if necessary, perform thalassemia gene screening during pregnancy, and perform prenatal diagnosis if necessary.
Thalassemia gene carriers should consult the hospital in time if they have anemia and other discomforts, so as to avoid delaying their condition.