Congenital anemia
Hereditary anemia includes thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and G6PD deficiency. These are conditions that are present from birth and persist throughout life; they are not caused by nutritional deficiencies or bleeding. Thalassemia results in the improper production of part of hemoglobin, leading to small, fragile red blood cells. It typically appears in the first year of life with symptoms such as pallor, and enlarged spleen and liver, and requires regular blood transfusions. Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to assume a sickle shape, which hampers blood flow and leads to episodes of pain, infections, and gradual organ damage. G6PD deficiency manifests when exposed to triggers like certain foods (such as fava beans) or medications, causing widespread destruction of red blood cells and resulting in jaundice and severe fatigue. Diagnosis relies on specialized tests like hemoglobin electrophoresis and G6PD enzyme measurement. Treatment varies depending on the condition, but genetic counseling before marriage is crucial to prevent passing the disease to offspring, especially since the likelihood of a carrier passing the disease is nearly one in four when both partners are carriers. Management includes blood transfusions, folic acid supplementation, avoiding triggers in G6PD deficiency, and in rare cases, bone marrow transplantation.
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