Page 291 - Biochemistry PharmD General
P. 291
There are two types of thalassemia
1. β-thalassemia:
• β-thalassemia occurs due to the decreased synthesis
rate of P-chain of globin.
• Due to the deficiency of P-chain the a-chains either
combine among themselves forming a-4-globin or it
can combine with γ or δ chains, thereby forming
more of HbA2 and HbF.
• This results in the impairment of the transport of
O2 by Hb resulting in hypoxia. There are very low
levels of Hb i.e. 2-3 g/100ml (hypochromic cells).
The life span of such RBC is greatly reduced. The
symptoms include anemia, growth retardation,
wasting and fever. 290
