Thalassemia in Thailand.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Public Health
• Hematology

Background:

• Thalassemia affects 30-40% of Thailand's population, leading to over 60 genotypes with varying clinical severity.
• An estimated 1.2% of babies are born with severe thalassemia annually, posing a substantial public health burden.
• The country grapples with a high prevalence of thalassemia disease, impacting a significant portion of its citizens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the prevalence and impact of thalassemia in Thailand.
• To describe current prevention and control strategies for thalassemia.
• To review existing and potential treatments for thalassemia.

Main Methods:

• Population-based estimations using gene frequencies and birth rates.
• Review of implemented thalassemia prevention and control programs.
• Analysis of current treatment modalities, including supportive and curative care.

Main Results:

• Approximately 1.0% of the Thai population suffers from thalassemia disease.
• Prevention programs focus on couple screening and prenatal diagnosis (PND).
• Supportive treatments like blood transfusions and iron chelation are common; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is limited.

Conclusions:

• Thalassemia represents a major health concern in Thailand due to high gene carrier rates.
• Current strategies involve prevention through PND and management via supportive care.
• Expanding access to curative treatments like HSCT is essential for improving patient outcomes.