A 3-year-old girl is diagnosed with thalassemia major. The long-term complications seen in a child with thalassemia major are related to which of the following?
Explanation
•Thalassemia major is a genetic disorder that causes a decrease in hemoglobin formation. Thalassemia causes an abnormal production of a protein responsible for iron absorption, leading to lethal iron overload.
• Thalassemia major or Cooley's anemia is a disorder caused by defects in both beta-chains of the hemoglobin molecule, result in a severe microcytic anemia. These patients develop facial deformities from
•Thalassemia major in children can cause symptoms of anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, weakness, irritability, and dyspnea.
•Incorrect: Bleeding, increased reflexes, and cerebral edema are not associated with thalassemia.