Thalassemia Treatment Cost in India

“Bone marrow transplant cost for Thalassemia treatment in India starts from USD 15,000 (INR 10,86,000) for autologous bone marrow transplant and USD 22,000 (INR 15,60,000) for allogeneic bone marrow transplant. The bone marrow transplant hospitals in India promise unparalleled health treatments at low-cost packages.

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that is inherited from parents and affects children. It is caused by insufficient production of haemoglobin, a protein that is vital to the formation of red blood cells
It interferes with the body’s ability to make healthy haemoglobin. Red blood cells, which contain a protein called haemoglobin. It enables the oxygen in the red blood cells to carry throughout the body to nourish the other cells.
Insufficient haemoglobin causes the body’s red blood cells to function less effectively and live for shorter periods, which reduces the number of healthy red blood cells in the bloodstream.
Thalassemia is thus, a condition that prevents the body from producing enough haemoglobin and healthy red blood cells.
There are two types of thalassemia: beta and alpha. Because thalassemia is inherited, there must be at least one parent who carries the gene.
A genetic mutation or the deletion of particular gene segments is the cause. Anaemia and mild to severe fatigue-like symptoms can be brought on by thalassemia.
The body makes fewer healthy haemoglobin proteins and fewer healthy red blood cells in the bone marrow if one has thalassemia.
Anaemia is the medical term for the low red blood cell count. A lack of healthy red blood cells can deprive cells in the body of the oxygen they require to produce energy and survive. Red blood cells play a crucial role in delivering oxygen to bodily tissues.
The treatment for thalassemia frequently involves a bone marrow transplant, so the costs are high; however, India is one of the most affordable medical procedure destinations.
Treatment for thalassemia is, however, reasonably priced in India. Other factors that could affect the price include the quantity of visitors, the nation from which they are traveling, and the period they spend in India receiving thalassemia treatment.

Impact of Red Blood Cell Production in the Case of Thalassemia

The following impacts on red blood cell production and health are:

A low number of healthy red blood cells is known as anaemia.
Heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) over time, with the heart and lungs having to work harder .
Expansion of the bone marrow to replace lost red blood cells, which can lead to fractures, bone weakening, and deformities.
Organ damage brought on by low oxygen levels
When red blood cells die, they release bilirubin, which builds up in the gallbladder and causes gallstones.
Hypercoagulability, or a higher propensity for thrombi to form.
Ulcers on the legs.
Inadequate development in kids and underachievement in adults.
Production of red blood cells in organs other than the bone marrow, such as the spleen, which may subsequently swell.

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Types of Thalassemia

The four categories of thalassemia are trait, minor, intermedia, and major, depending on how severe the condition is. These labels indicate a spectrum in which the presence of a thalassemia trait is associated with moderate anaemia symptoms or no symptoms at all. It’s possible one doesn’t need medical assistance. The most severe kind, thalassemia major, typically needs continuous care.

Thalassemia is classified into two types:

Alpha thalassemia: In the case of alpha thalassemia, one inherits two of the four genes—two from each parent—that code for alpha globin protein chains. Gene defects cause alpha thalassemia in one or more cases. The risk of developing anaemia and the severity of its symptoms depends on the number of faulty genes you inherit.

The number of faulty genes one inherits will decide whether or not you have anaemia and, if you do, how severe the symptoms are.

You won’t get symptoms if one alpha gene is damaged or absent. This condition is also known as alpha thalassemia minima.
If you have two faulty or absent alpha genes, your symptoms will probably be minimal. Alpha thalassemia minor is another term for it.
If you have three damaged or absent alpha genes, you will likely have mild to severe symptoms. This illness is also known as haemoglobin H disease.
Usually, four faulty or absent alpha genes cause death. If a newborn is fortunate enough to survive, it will probably require blood transfusions for the rest of their lives. Haemoglobin Barts-associated hydrops fetalis is another term for this illness.

Alpha thalassemia subtypes include:

Silent carriers: Individuals classified as “silent” carriers have one copy of the mutated gene. They usually don’t show any symptoms and don’t require any care. The thalassemia genetic alterations can still be passed down to offspring by silent carriers.
Alpha thalassemia trait: This condition is present in individuals who carry two mutated copies of the affected gene. Although they are usually asymptomatic and do not require therapy, they may have mild anaemia. Nonetheless, the genetic alterations can be inherited by their progeny. People with alpha thalassemia trait who are of childbearing age should ask their partners to be tested and receive genetic counselling. By taking these steps, you can assess your child’s chance of having a more severe condition.
Haemoglobin H (HbH) disease: A substantial decrease in alpha-globin can result from three deleted gene copies. Then, haemoglobin H—an uncommon form of haemoglobin—develops. Individuals may experience mild to moderate symptoms and, in certain situations, need blood transfusions.
Major beta-thalassemia: When all four gene copies are involved, this subtype emerges. Severe, potentially fatal problems with alpha thalassemia occur during foetal development. Thanks to recent advancements in medical technology, blood transfusions can now be initiated while a woman is still a foetus. This breakthrough has enabled newborns to survive and receive lifelong treatment. Finding couples at risk for alpha thalassemia major is crucial. Early detection makes it possible to receive treatment in the womb, early foetal screening, and genetic counselling.

Beta thalassemia: When one has beta thalassemia, the heta-globin gene comes from both parents. The number of faulty genes and the location of the deficiency in the beta-globin protein chain determine the anaemia symptoms and the severity of the disease.

One defective or missing beta gene: If one beta gene is absent or faulty, your symptoms will be minimal. This illness is also known as beta thalassemia minor.

Two defective or missing beta genes: You will have mild to severe symptoms if you have two faulty or absent beta genes. Thalassemia intermedia is the term for the moderate form. Cooley’s anaemia, also known as beta-thalassemia major, is a more severe form of the disease caused by two gene mutations.

The following scenarios involve inheriting beta-thalassemia:

Beta thalassemia minor (beta thalassemia trait): A person with beta thalassemia minor, also known as beta thalassemia trait, receives one altered gene copy from one parent. These people typically exhibit normal growth and development and show no symptoms. In most cases, no treatment is required.
Beta thalassemia intermedia: A person with beta-thalassemia intermedia inherits one altered gene copy from each parent. The degree of the alterations determines the symptoms and complications. They can be as mild as not requiring blood transfusions or as severe as those that do, in which case transfusions help avoid complications and enable the patient to recover and thrive.
Beta thalassemia major: This variant causes a more severe deficiency or absence of beta-globin, even though it also affects both gene copies. Additionally, it results in more severe symptoms that frequently impact young children. For beta-thalassemia, a long-term treatment regimen including frequent red blood cell transfusions is essential. Nevertheless, iron overload and other organ complications are also brought on by these transfusions. Frequent examinations, iron load monitoring, and specialized therapies like chelation therapy are necessary to address these side effects.

Symptoms of Thalassemia

The degree to which the genes responsible for producing haemoglobin protein chains have mutated determines the symptoms of thalassemia, which vary greatly depending on the individual. In its most severe form, thalassemia can be fatal and in its mildest form, it can cause no symptoms at all.

The symptoms that follow only apply to cases of Thalassemia that range from intermediate to severe. These are merely the most conspicuous signs. Symptoms may vary greatly depending on the type of thalassemia.

1. Asymptomatic (no symptoms)

If there is missing one alpha gene, one is not likely to develop symptoms. One may be asymptomatic. In case one lacks two alpha genes or one beta gene one may also experience moderate anaemia symptoms such as fatigue, which is a common symptom of Thalassemia. A shortage of haemoglobin can result in a variety of further symptoms, including:

Fatigue
Breathlessness
Pallor Pain

2. Mild to Moderate

The symptoms of beta thalassemia intermedia can include mid-anaemia or other signs of a more serious illness.

Growth Concerns
There is a delay in puberty.
An abnormality of the bones referred to as “osteoporosis”
An enlarged spleen
In the future, skeletal disorders might need surgery. Your spleen may need to be removed by your doctor if it grows too big.

3. Severe Indications

A severe form of lifelong anaemia is often caused by haemoglobin H disorder, which is the absence of three alpha genes. Symptoms of anaemia are often present from birth. By the age of two, beta thalassemia major, also known as Cooley’s anaemia, frequently results in severe anaemic symptoms. The symptoms of mild to moderate anaemia can also be associated with severe anaemia. Additional signs and symptoms could be:

Issues with appetite.
Pale or yellowish skin (jaundice).
A dark or tea-coloured tint to the urine.
Your face’s uneven bone structure.

The Cost of Treating Thalassemia in India

In India, cost of bone marrow transplant for Thalassemia treatment starts from USD 15,000 (INR 10,86,000) for autologous bone marrow transplant and USD 22,000 (INR 15,60,000) for allogeneic bone marrow transplant. The cost of thalassemia treatment in India can vary depending on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s decision regarding the course of treatment after the patient’s test results.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Thalassemia Treatment in India

The following are some factors that may impact the price of thalassemia treatment in India:

The medication expenses.
The duration of treatment.
Geographical position.
Costs associated with hospital stays.
Policies and subsidies from the Government.
Packages for medical travel.
Infrastructure and reputation of the hospital.
The knowledge and experience of health care providers.
The kind and quantity of diagnostic tests.
The selection of a therapeutic approach.

Even after accounting for the costs of lodging, meals, and transportation, the standard and calibre of medical care and facilities provided are comparable to those of illustrious healthcare institutions throughout the world.

Additionally, under the direction of extremely skilled medical professionals in India, guarantee that patients obtain the lowest possible cost for Thalassemia Treatment in India.

The diagnosis in the case of Thalassemia

Since symptoms of moderate and severe thalassemia typically manifest in the first two years of life.

Since symptoms of moderate and severe thalassemia typically manifest in the first two years of life, these conditions are frequently diagnosed in children.
To diagnose thalassemia, your healthcare provider may order a variety of blood tests:
A complete blood count (CBC), which counts red blood cells and determines their size and haemoglobin content. Individuals who have thalassemia have lower haemoglobin and fewer healthy red blood cells than average. They might also have red blood cells that are smaller than usual.
The bone marrow may not be producing enough red blood cells if the reticulocyte count, which measures young red blood cells, is low.
Research on iron can help determine if thalassemia or an iron deficit is the root cause of one’s anaemia.
Beta thalassemia is diagnosed by haemoglobin electrophoresis.
The diagnosis of alpha thalassemia is made by genetic testing.

Causes of Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited disorder. They are brought on by alterations in one or more of the genes involved in the synthesis of haemoglobin, more especially the genes that produce the haemoglobin protein chains. These two alpha chains and two beta chains total four.

Any one of these chains could be weakened by thalassemia. The following are a few of them:

A change in the alpha chair is indicative of alpha thalassemia, while a change in the beta chain is indicative of beta-thalassemia.
The number of mutated genes determines the severity of major treatment for alpha and beta-thalassemia. The severity increases with increasing importance.

You could develop a condition called thalassemia minor if one of your parents has the gene for the disease. You will most likely not have any symptoms if this occurs, but you will be a carrier nonetheless. Some people with minor thalassemia have very few symptoms. You are more likely to inherit a more severe form of thalassemia if both of your parents carry the gene.

In Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Mediterranean nations like Greece and Turkey, thalassemia is more common.

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Thalassemia Management and Treatment

Blood transfusions and iron chelation are the standard treatments for thalassemia major.

Blood transfusion

To restore normal levels of healthy red blood cells and haemoglobin, a blood transfusion entails getting shots of red blood cells through a vein.
For moderate or severe thalassemia, you will receive transfusions every four months; for beta-thalassemia major, you will receive transfusions every two to four weeks.
Haemoglobin H disease and beta thalassemia intermedia may occasionally require transfusions (for example, during infectious episodes).

Iron chelation

The process of iron chelation entails eliminating extra iron from your body.
Iron overload is a risk associated with blood transfusions. Iron overload can harm internal organs.
You will be administered iron chelation therapy (a pill) if you are a frequent recipient of transfusions.
Supplements containing folic acid can help your body produce healthy blood cells.

Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation

The only known cure for thalassemia is a bone marrow and stem cell transplant from a compatible related donor.
The term “compatibility” refers to the donor’s and the recipient’s shared types of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) on the surface of their cells.
During the procedure, your healthcare provider will inject your bloodstream with bone marrow stem cells from your donor.
In less than a month, the transplanted cells will begin to produce new, healthy blood cells.

Luspatercept

An injection called luspatercept, which is administered every three weeks, can increase the production of red blood cells in your body.
The treatment of transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia is authorized in the United States.

The Complications of Thalassemia

Iron overload can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as genetic disorders or receiving blood transfusions for a prolonged period. When excess iron accumulates in the body, it can cause severe damage to vital organs such as the heart, liver, and endocrine system. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions by producing hormones that control different processes such as metabolism, growth, and development.

Frequent blood transfusions can also increase the risk of infections due to the contaminated blood received during the procedure. Medical professionals take strict measures to prevent this by carefully examining donor blood for any infections or diseases before transfusions. This helps to minimize the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections and ensures the safety of the patient.

It is essential to discuss any concerns about iron overload or blood transfusions with a healthcare professional to prevent any potential complications.

Prognosis

The most promising treatment option for thalassemia is a bone marrow transplant from a compatible sibling. Sadly, the majority of thalassemia patients do not have a sibling donor who is a good match. Furthermore, a bone marrow transplant is a dangerous operation that carries a high risk of serious side effects, including death.

To find out which individuals qualify for a transplant, consult with a thalassemia expert. Selecting a busy hospital that performs bone marrow transplants frequently increases the likelihood of a successful outcome while lowering the risk of complications.

The Life Expectancy in the Case of Thalassemia

Mild thalassemia should result in a normal life expectancy.
If you adhere to your treatment plan, which includes iron chelation therapy and transfusions, you have a good chance of surviving for the long term, regardless of how severe or moderate your condition is.
Maintaining your iron chelation therapy is crucial because heart disease resulting from iron overload is the primary cause of death for thalassemia patients.

Prevention

Thalassemia is usually not preventable. If you are a thalassemia carrier or have the disease, you should think about seeking advice from a genetic counsellor before starting a family.
A type of diagnosis using assisted reproductive technology involves combining in vitro fertilization with early screening for genetic mutations in embryos. This may contribute to the healthy development of their offspring in parents with thalassemia or carriers of a faulty haemoglobin gene.
The process entails removing mature eggs and fertilizing them in a lab dish with sperm. Only the embryos free of genetic flaws are inserted into the uterus after being examined for genetic defects.

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