D56.1: Beta thalassaemia
Beta thalassaemia is a blood disorder that affects the body's ability to produce a specific part of hemoglobin called the beta chain. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. This disorder impairs the body's production of red blood cells, leading to a reduction in oxygen supply to the body's tissues and anemia. Symptoms usually appear before a child's second birthday and may include fatigue, pale skin, slowed growth and development, and bone problems. This condition is inherited, meaning it is passed down from parents to their children through genes. It is more common in people of Mediterranean, African, and Southeast Asian heritage. The severity of beta thalassaemia can vary, but it often requires regular blood transfusions and ongoing medical care.
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