Thalassemia
Thalassemia is not a single disorder, but a group of inherited diseases of
the blood with similar clinical effects. About 100,000 babies worldwide are born
with severe forms of the disease each year. Most children appear healthy at
birth, but during the first year or two of life develop moderate to severe
anemia. They grow slowly and often develop jaundice. Most children with
thalassemia require a life-long regimen of blood transfusions. Complications
from the disease and its treatment include heart problems, liver damage,
diabetes, infertility, growth failure, and thin or deformed bones.