Thalassemias. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time. Pregnancy outcomes among women affected with thalassemia traits. IgA is active against several pathogens, including rotavirus, poliovirus, influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the excess amount of iron, contributing to oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the disease, alters the immune system in -thalassemia, which is important during the COVID-19 pandemic. and transmitted securely. Still, the study authors wrote, "the impact of blood type on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Within each of these types, the severity varies, from causing moderate to severe anemia to requiring frequent blood transfusions. People with certain medical conditions. People with thalassemia often experience similar COVID-19 complications as those without thalassemia, but they may be at greater risk for certain problems. SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with -thalassemia: The French experience. Beta-thalassemia results of a default in the hemoglobin beta- chain synthesis. eCollection 2022. With more research, we may one day have a clearer understanding of the connection between COVID-19 and different blood types. 2021;16(1):114.doi:10.1186/s13023-021-01757-w. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Iron . The clues have been mounting . doi:10.23750/abm.v91i3.10155, De Sanctis VD, Canatan D, Corrons JLV, et al. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The forgotten people with thalassemia in the time of COVID-19: South Asian perspective. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Researchers found no link between blood type and COVID-19 risk, adding that more research was needed on the topic. Current recommendations are that a person's usual regimen of transfusions should be continued during the pandemic. When one of these two genes are missing, it can lead to beta thalassemia trait, or beta thalassemia minor. Current recommendations for those in the United States is that iron chelation therapy be continued unless symptoms of COVID-19 develop. eCollection 2023. How do I know if I have thalassemia trait? Beta-thalassemia causes symptoms related to anemia, including weak or brittle bones, and leads to problems with how your bones develop. Am J Hematol. World Health Organization (WHO) . Noun P, Ibrahim A, Hodroj MH, Bou-Fakhredin R, Taher AT. In some cases, the inherited mutation can cause the HBB gene to be absent. Needs T, et al. They also indicate that haemochromatosis type 1 might confer some protection. ; 3 Hemoglobinopathies and Congenital Anemia Center, Ospedale Galliera, Genoa, Italy. In order of increasing severity, its classified as: People with beta thalassemia minor usually dont develop symptoms and have mild anemia. eCollection 2023. Clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for people with thalassemia. If you have thalassemia trait, it means you carry a genetic mutation that causes thalassemia, but you dont have the disease yourself. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Each one has different subtypes and hence the severity . The most important thing you can do is make sure you are vaccinated and stay up to date on when boosters are needed. Int J Mol Sci. Impaired immune cell . Some people with thalassemia have cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). A recent study in the Lombardy region identified the positivity of anti-Covid-19 antibodies in 4.5 . EHA and TIF Explore How COVID-19 Is Affecting Thalassemia and SCD Patients. It was through these findings, that the Danish researchers suggested: "That blood group O is significantly associated with reduced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.". "There is no real benefit for the individual person," said Torben Barington, DMSc, a clinical professor of immunology at the University of Southern Denmark and co-author of the early Danish study. Consider talking with a doctor about testing for thalassemia trait if theres a history of thalassemia or thalassemia trait in your family, or if you plan to have a child with someone who has the trait or a family history of it. Its also the only way to tell if youre a silent carrier. Therefore, it is unknown if COVID-19 vaccines are as efficacious for patients with thalassemia as they were found to be for the clinical trial participants . What Research Says About the Link Between COVID-19 and Blood Type, What the Blood Link Research Means for You, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare, ShinglesHerpes ZosterInfection May Be Linked to the COVID-19 Vaccine, Can COVID-19 Cause Diabetes? 2020;143:110014.doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110014, Motta I, De Amicis MM, Pinto VM, et al. (2020). As thalassemia is considered to be a severe underlying medical condition , both adults and children with thalassemia were excluded from the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Immunity is a complex process that involves a lot of moving parts. The researchers found that people with beta thalassemia minor had: However, the researchers didnt find statistical significance for any of these parameters, so no definitive conclusions can be drawn from the study. These drugs can reduce inflammation in blood vessels (endothelial inflammation) during viral infections. government site. Thalassemia Benefits. Hemoglobin normally is made of four chainstwo alpha chains and two beta chains. People having hematological disorders and hypercoagulability state need extra precautions because of the increased risk of thrombosis after COVID-19 vaccination. According to research from 2020 and 2021, 93% of U.S. newborn screening programs provide some info on alpha-thalassemia and 85% provide info on beta-thalassemia. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to blood bank shortages, which have created challenges for people with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Regardless of if a specific blood type is associated with a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe disease, keep in mind that many other factors, such as age or existing health conditions, are likely to play a larger, dominant role in determining personal risk from COVID-19. -Thalassemia is the most prevalent single gene blood disorder, while the assessment of its susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) warrants it a pressing biomedical priority. In many cases, alpha thalassemia may also need blood transfusions to manage. They also had a higher chance of developing severe symptoms but didnt have higher rates of ICU admission. The types are beta thalassemia major, intermedia, and minor. Heavy alcohol drinking is known to further aggravate anemia. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. Objectives: Many patients with haemoglobinopathies, including thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, are at increased risk of developing severe complications from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thalassaemia is the name for a group of inherited conditions that affect a substance in the blood called haemoglobin. SARS-CoV-2 infection in beta thalassemia: Preliminary data from the Italian experience. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.6114. Blood. Thalassaemia International Federation . They result in low hemoglobin production and destruction of red blood cells. The causal virus behind this disease, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), conceivably attacks the . In particular, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium. Facial Presentation in People with Beta-Thalassemia Major, The Hidden Signs You May Have a Red Meat Allergy From a Tick Bite, Alpha Thalassemia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More, Alopecia Areata and Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid. But some researchers believe it may, based on the primarily mild symptoms of COVID-19 in people with thalassemia found in a study out of Southeast Asia. This can make them very anaemic (tired, short of breath and pale). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 2020;57(5):478.doi:10.1007/s13312-020-1831-9, By Lynne Eldridge, MD It causes mild to severe respiratory illness with some flu-like symptoms. (2022). That said, the shortage of the blood supply has proven challenging. Update in laboratory diagnosis of thalassemia. Sadly, the reduction in the blood supply has led many people with thalassemia to receive fewer transfusions than usual, prompting healthcare providers caring for people with the condition to look for options that may reduce the need for or frequency of transfusions. PMC Among people aged 36 or older, an average of 60% of thalassemia patients had at least one coexisting condition (100% in the non-transfusion dependent group and 41.7% in the transfusion-dependent group). (Note: The overall mortality rate for COVID-19 is currently less than 1%.). Researchers found inconsistent findings but did identify certain trends suggesting that blood type A might predispose one to increased susceptibility to infection with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), or that type O and Rh-negative blood groups might be protective. Since thalassemia trait causes only mild symptoms, if any, it usually doesnt affect life expectancy. The first study, conducted by . If you become infected, it's important to talk to a doctor knowledgeable about thalassemia regarding any special precautions you should take or changes to your medical plan. People with thalassemia tend to experience similar complications from COVID-19 as those without thalassemia. (2022). Farmakis D, Giakoumis A, Angastiniotis M, Eleftheriou A. Epub 2020 Sep 15. One small study found that people with the thalassemia trait (carriers) were less likely to develop a COVID-19 infection or die from the disease. A Study Says These 4 Factors May Predict Persistent Symptoms, Journal of the American Medical Association, CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. (2023). Its most common in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. The site is secure. Accessibility Susceptibility of -Thalassemia heterozygotes to COVID-19. Beta-thalassemia trait is less common. There is some limited evidence that certain types of thalassemia may offer some protection against SARS-CoV-2. What are the symptoms of beta thalassemia? That means getting vaccinated and boosted, social distancing, wearing a mask in public, and washing your hands regularly, among other things. What We Know, 25% chance their child wont have thalassemia trait, 50% chance their child will have thalassemia trait, 25% chance their child will have a severe form of thalassemia. Additionally, COVID-19 has complicated some treatments for thalassemia, such as the availability of lifesaving blood transfusions. A simple blood test could let a doctor know if you have alpha- or beta-thalassemia minor. Key areas covered include patients' risk level, adaptation of haemoglobinopathy care, safety of blood transfusions, blood supply challenges, and lifestyle and nutritional considerations. Impact of IFN-1a in treatment of a COVID-19 patient with beta thalassemia and diabetes mellitus: A case report. (2022). Thalassemia: Understanding the Inherited Blood Disorder, What Hemoglobin Does and Why It Is Important, When Iron Deficiency Anemia Is Not What It Appears to Be, What to Know About Chronic Kidney Disease and COVID-19, What to Know About Sickle Cell Disease and COVID-19, Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Iron Chelation Preparations and Side Effects, What to Know About Parkinsons Disease and COVID-19, Alpha Thalassemia Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment, What to Know About Organ Transplants and COVID-19, A comprehensive update of ICET-A Network on COVID-19 in thalassemias: what we know and where we stand, COVID-19. Laboratory diagnosis of thalassemia. Most people with beta thalassemia major have symptoms within the first 2 years of life. If the mutation affects two genes, you have alpha-thalassemia minor. There are four types of alpha thalassemia, and two main types of beta thalassemia. 8600 Rockville Pike Some research findings have suggested that people with blood types A and AB are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, while those with blood type O are less likely to test positive for the virus. Thalassemia trait, aka thalassemia minor, usually doesnt cause health issues. Only one gene is damaged. People with beta thalassemia may be immunosuppressed if they have impairment of spleen function or had their spleen removed. In Italy there are about 5000 patients with dependent transfusion thalassemia (source Italian Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies - SITE) and a smaller number, currently not definable, of patients with sickle cell anemia in chronic transfusion. People with the most severe form of the disease may require regular blood transfusions. Orphanet J Rare Dis. may help support the immune system's ability to fight infections. The ways that a healthcare provider diagnoses thalassemia depends on the type of thalassemia you have. The pandemic has been hard on everyone, especially those with chronic illnesses. See additional information. Two recently published studies have found that people who recover from COVID-19 develop antibodies that may last almost a year. When a population has people with pre-existing immunity, as the T cell studies may be indicating is the case, the herd immunity threshold based on an R 0 of 2.5 can be reduced from 60% of a population getting infected right down to 10%, depending on the quantity and distribution of pre-existing immunity among people, Gupta's group calculated. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vaccine safety and effectiveness for people with beta thalassemia. In a 2021 pilot study, researchers found a strong association between the presence of beta thalassemia minor and COVID-19 mortality. Newborn screening practices for beta-thalassemia in the United States. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that has become a global public health concern after being first reported in China and has subsequently spread worldwide. Yes, you can have the trait for both alpha- and beta-thalassemia. Prevention measures are very important. -. For example, some of the common complications and coexisting conditions caused by thalassemia may also worsen COVID-19. Autosomal means the affected genes arent on sex chromosomes. Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia, 3rd ed. Who's at Risk for Long COVID? Everybody except for 1 of the 16 people in the study required regular blood transfusions. Conclusions: Anemia can affect your weight, whether due to its impact on your appetite and activity levels or its underlying cause. When looking into thalassemia and COVID-19 risk, it's important to identify both the risk of potential exposure and susceptibility. People with the intermedia or major forms of the disease have HBB mutations from both parents. Published 2020 Sep 7. doi:10.23750/abm.v91i3.10063. "Long COVID" is a term meaning symptoms that persist after the infection has cleared. Brancaleoni V, et al. Last medically reviewed on August 23, 2022. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. COVID-19 and thalassaemia: A position statement of the Thalassaemia International Federation. If your doctor suspects your child has thalassemia, he or she can confirm a diagnosis with blood tests. 2020;95(8):E208-E210. In late 2020, a team of researchers in the United States and Europe succeeded for the first time in using CRISPR to treat 10 people with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. (2022). However, some limited evidence suggests that certain types of thalassemia may have some protective effect against COVID-19. Am J Hematol. Beta-thalassemia is widespread in the world but is a rare disease in France with an estimated prevalence of 12 per 1,000,000 for severe forms. For people living with thalassemia, because too much iron may build up in the blood, foods high in iron may need to be limited. Research suggests that people with thalassemia may be at a slightly increased risk of contracting COVID-19, especially those who are transfusion dependent which puts them at an increased risk of exposure to the virus. Iron overload due to repeated transfusions is the cause of many complications seen with thalassemia, and therefore many people are treated with iron chelation therapy. People with certain medical conditions, Prevalence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in transfusion dependent and non-transfusion dependent -thalassemia patients and effects of associated comorbidities: an Iranian nationwide study, Care of patients with hemoglobin disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview of recommendations, Blood banking and transfusion medicine challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, The forgotten people with thalassemia in the time of COVID-19: South Asian perspective, Luspatercept improves hemoglobin levels and blood transfusion requirements in a study of patients with -thalassemia, A comprehensive review of hydroxyurea for -haemoglobinopathies: the role revisited during COVID-19 pandemic, FDA Approves First Cell-Based Gene Therapy to Treat Adult and Pediatric Patients with Beta-thalassemia Who Require Regular Blood Transfusions, Management of hemoglobin disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Could iron chelators prove to be useful as an adjunct to COVID-19 Treatment Regimens, Risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by transfusion: A literature review, Vitamin and mineral supplementation for -thalassemia during COVID-19 pandemic, A Southeast Asian perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic: hemoglobin E (HbE)-trait confers resistance against COVID-19, Beta-thalassemia may protect against COVID 19, SARS-CoV-2 infection in beta thalassemia: Preliminary data from the Italian experience, COVID-19 and thalassaemia: A position statement of the Thalassaemia International Federation, Challenging Times for Children With Transfusion-dependent Thalassemia Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, Reduced immune response: Excess iron can build up in regions of the body such as the.

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