A Child Lost to Follow Up Carrying Beta Thalassemia Major: A Case Report

Thalassemia is inherited autosomal recessive disorders characterized by reduced rate of hemoglobin synthesis due to a defect in alpha or beta globin chain synthesis. Maldives has a beta thalassemia prevalence rate of 16-18%. Classical symptoms of beta thalassemia are common on those patients who present late for blood transfusion which is common among the south Asian countries due to resource poor situation. This case is a rare case report of commonly occurring phenomenon which has been reported less among south Asian region. Reporting this case will help health worker to manage cases accordingly. A five and half year prior diagnosed case of beta thalassemia at age of 2 years and lost to follow up presented with cough, Dyspnoea, Irritability, fatigue with classic symptom of beta thalassemia. She was managed with blood transfusion and kept on continuous follow up for transfusion and iron overload management.