Thalassemia

Anemia is defined as hemoglobin levels below 120 g/L in adult males and below 110 g/L in adult females. Thalassemia, also known as Cooley's anemia or Mediterranean anemia, is a group of inherited blood disorders caused by genetic defects. It results from abnormal globin, a crucial component of hemoglobin (commonly known as blood pigment), leading to the premature destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). The highest incidence of this disease is found in countries along the Mediterranean coast and in Southeast Asian countries. In China, provinces south of the Yangtze River are high-incidence areas, with Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan provinces having the highest rates. Key symptoms include pale complexion, slow eating, developmental delay, fatigue, poor appetite, and abdominal swelling.