Last medically reviewed on April 6, 2023. Can SARS-CoV-2 be transmitted via blood transfusions? Autoimmune diseases like Sjgrens syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. For people living with thalassemia, because too much iron may build up in the blood, foods high in iron may need to be limited. The novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) is a contagious acute respiratory infectious disease whose causative agent has been demonstrated to be a novel virus of the coronavirus family, SARSCoV-2. FAQs: Expert Answers Questions On Management Tips For Thalassemia If you're living with thalassemia, you may be at greater risk for serious outcomes of COVID-19. While blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy (iron-binding drugs that are sometimes given via infusion) require traveling to a clinic or hospital, there are many healthcare visits that can be handled virtually. Materials & Methods: Searches of PUBMED and EMBASE were conducted to identify the level and . The causal virus behind this disease, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), conceivably attacks the . Moreover, the excess amount of iron, contributing to oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the disease, alters the immune system in -thalassemia, which is important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Treatment may include regular blood transfusions. Thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. Commentary: Could iron chelators prove to be useful as an adjunct to COVID-19 Treatment Regimens? But such tests are often costly. Should people with thalassemia receive the COVID-19 vaccine? rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/thalassemia-major/, bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID-19_vaccine/Thalassemia_Clinical_Guidance.pdf, heart.org/en/beyond-the-table/stories/covid-19-vaccine-is-high-priority-for-cardiac-patients, autoimmuneinstitute.org/vaccine-autoimmune-disease-faq/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8811850/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7321655/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8247188/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9016533/, medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.25.22278009v1.full, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8397014/, ncsl.org/research/health/school-immunization-exemption-state-laws.aspx, cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/summary-interim-clinical-considerations.pdf, cdc.gov/ncbddd/thalassemia/treatment.html, cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html, Everything You Need to Know About Thalassemia, Will COVID-19 Vaccines Give Lifelong Immunity to the Disease? Update in laboratory diagnosis of thalassemia. (2022). 2020 Jun;25(6):e936-e945. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everybody over 6 months of age in the United States. As new research becomes available, well update this article. Looking at a small sample group early on in the pandemic, the overall mortality rate of those with thalassemia from a COVID-19 infection was 18.6%, compared with a mortality rate of 4.71% in the general population. Its considered safer to wait to begin gene therapy or prepare for a stem-cell transplant for thalassemia in communities currently affected by COVID-19. De Sanctis V, Canatan D, Corrons JLV, et al. Genetic correction of concurrent - and -thalassemia patient-derived pluripotent stem cells by the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Can Being Heterozygous for the Beta-Thalassemia Trait Affect Your Pregnancy? People with thalassemia often experience similar COVID-19 complications as those without thalassemia, but they may be at greater risk for certain problems. As an example, on March 17, 2020, the Red Cross announced that their blood reserves were reduced by around 80% in the United States due to canceled donations and reduced distribution. There are no extra safety precautions necessary for people with beta thalassemia who get vaccinated against COVID-19 when compared with people in the general population. So, its important to know your status. 10.1111/ejh.13410 However, the results have been inconsistent and so the connection between COVID-19 and different blood types still isn't clear. Thalassemias. The Johnson & Johnsons Janssen can rarely cause arterial thrombosis, a blood clot in an artery, in people with thrombocytopenia 4 to 30 days after vaccination. People with beta thalassemia minor can have anemia so mild they dont know they have it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with thalassemia may be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Recessive means that you need two copies of the faulty gene to have the disease. Symptoms can range from none at all to severe anemia that requires frequent blood transfusions. There are two damaged genes. When looking into thalassemia and COVID-19 risk, it's important to identify both the risk of potential exposure and susceptibility. There are no specific precautions or warnings for people with thalassemia receiving these vaccines compared with people in the general population. Affiliations 1 Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Universit Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. People with certain medical conditions. Thalassemia is a medical condition in which the body makes less hemoglobin than usual. But they do test for sickle cell anemia, which can also detect thalassemia. Heavy alcohol drinking is known to further aggravate anemia. Farmakis D, Giakoumis A, Angastiniotis M, Eleftheriou A. (2022). Research suggests that people with thalassemia may be at a slightly increased risk of contracting COVID-19, especially those who are transfusion dependent which puts them at an increased risk of exposure to the virus. This condition can cause abrupt changes in blood pressure or heart rate that may worsen a person's condition during a COVID-19 infection. If you become infected, it's important to talk to a doctor knowledgeable about thalassemia regarding any special precautions you should take or changes to your medical plan. (2020). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vaccine safety and effectiveness for people with beta thalassemia. Beta thalassemia major often needs to be treated with regular blood transfusions. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. These findings may be due to statistical randomness because of the small sample size. Careers. Pregnancy outcomes among women affected with thalassemia traits. (2020). Thalassemia and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Complications - Verywell Health Beta-thalassemia is widespread in the world but is a rare disease in France with an estimated prevalence of 12 per 1,000,000 for severe forms. Healthy Living with Thalassemia | CDC Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. According to this systematic-review meta-analysis, beta-thalassemia carriers could be less affected by CO VID-19 than the general population and more susceptible to die from COVID-19 or one of its consequences. What is Thalassemia? | CDC 2020;40(4):587-601.doi:10.1016/j.cll.2020.08.013, Hossain MS, Raheem E, Siddidqee MH. Med (Lausanne). As thalassemia is considered to be a severe underlying medical condition , both adults and children with thalassemia were excluded from the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Doctors sometimes incorrectly prescribe iron supplements for people with thalassemia trait if they mistake their symptoms for iron deficiency. Experts say that, There are many different types of anemia. However, some limited evidence suggests that certain types of thalassemia may have some protective effect against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine is high priority for cardiac patients. Your red blood cells are likely to be smaller than is typical. Here's What You Need to Know, Omicron Infection Timeline: When Symptoms Start and How Long They Last. A 2014 Chinese study found that 17.8% of people with beta-thalassemia trait also had genetic mutations that affected the alpha gene. Farid Y, et al. (2022). Epub 2020 Sep 15. Should people with thalassemia take vitamins and mineral supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic? In fact, some people prefer being able to communicate with their healthcare providers from the comfort of their own home. A person with beta thalassemia minor . official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Sadly, the reduction in the blood supply has led many people with thalassemia to receive fewer transfusions than usual, prompting healthcare providers caring for people with the condition to look for options that may reduce the need for or frequency of transfusions. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that has become a global public health concern after being first reported in China and has subsequently spread worldwide. Without enough hemoglobin, your red blood cells die more quickly, and your organs and tissues dont get enough oxygen. 2023 Feb 9;10:1056599. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1056599. Beta-thalassemia causes symptoms related to anemia, including weak or brittle bones, and leads to problems with how your bones develop. Accessibility Thalassemias. The pandemic has been hard on everyone, especially those with chronic illnesses. People with thalassaemia produce either no or too little haemoglobin, which is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. But you can still pass down the affected gene to future generations. Objectives: 5, 25, 26, 27 However, no details were provided as to the outcomes and course of the pregnancy in this . Types include alpha and beta thalassemia. Covid-19: Do many people have pre-existing immunity? | The BMJ SARS-CoV-2 infection in beta thalassemia: Preliminary data - PubMed Vaccination can help prevent COVID-19 infection and prevent severe illness if you do. Thalassemia - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic 2021 Mar 1;16(1):114. doi: 10.1186/s13023-021-01757-w. Parakh N, Pahuja S, Singh V, Kumar N, Chandra J. J Paediatr Child Health. (2022). Shortness of breath is a common symptom of anemia. The site is secure. Vulnerability of -thalassemia heterozygotes to COVID-19: Results from a cohort study. With thalassemia trait, your red blood cells are smaller than those in people who dont have the trait. Drouin E, et al. In a very small French study, researchers found that people with thalassemia under the age of 60 had higher rates of severe disease and hospitalization than the general population. In order of increasing severity, its classified as: People with beta thalassemia minor usually dont develop symptoms and have mild anemia. 1 Platt L, Warwick R. Are some ethnic groups Herd immunity and COVID-19: What you need to know For those who develop COVID-19, doctors should be aware of this increased risk of a secondary bacterial infection so that antibiotics can be started early with any signs, such as a fever. Orphanet J Rare Dis. The dosages and timing, however, should be carefully discussed with your healthcare before starting any supplement. Newborn screening tests in the United States dont specifically check for thalassemia trait. A protein called the Rh factor can also be present (+) or absent (-) from the blood. Vitamin and mineral supplementation for -thalassemia during COVID-19 pandemic. If you're pregnant and heterozygous for beta-thalassemia, you may not need treatment, but there are still some things to consider for a healthy. -. In a preprint review of studies from late July 2022, researchers examined how beta thalassemia minor affects outcomes of COVID-19. Blood transfusions are a mainstay of treatment for some people with thalassemia. See additional information. However, more epidemiological studies are required in the aim to obtain a strong signal. Frequency of COVID-19 Antibodies in Patients With Hereditary A Study Says These 4 Factors May Predict Persistent Symptoms, Journal of the American Medical Association, CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Globally, the prevalence of COVID-19 in people with beta-thalassemia specifically appears to be lower than the general population. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. (2022). Differences in how people have reacted to COVID-19and whyhave occupied researchers throughout the pandemic. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.6114. Eur J Haematol. They often share similar symptoms but have different causes as well as different treatments and severity. But, overall, the link between blood type, genes, and infection risk is a growing area of research. Thalassemia results from an affected gene that causes the problem with hemoglobin. Biochemistry, hemoglobin synthesis. 2023 Mar 2;24(5):4809. doi: 10.3390/ijms24054809. Thalassemia trait means you carry the gene that causes the disease, but you dont have the disease yourself. If you have beta-thalassemia trait, you have a 50% chance of passing on the affected gene to any child you have. . Mark S. Lesney. Early in the pandemic, two studies published in the Blood Advances journal in October 2020 showed a possible link between blood type and vulnerability to COVID-19. There have been multiple studies on blood types and COVID-19 risk. ; 4 Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences . Thalassemias | Johns Hopkins Medicine Thalassemia Benefits. (2021). People with thalassemia trait dont usually have symptoms. But some researchers believe it may, based on the primarily mild symptoms of COVID-19 in people with thalassemia found in a study out of Southeast Asia. Exemptions may be granted for people with severe allergies to COVID-19 vaccines or any of their components. ", Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 2022 Oct;58(10):1760-1765. doi: 10.1111/jpc.16082. If you have potential symptoms of beta thalassemia, a doctor may order a blood test to look for signs of the disease. This is the most severe form of this disorder. Needs T, et al. Conclusions: Luspatercept improves hemoglobin levels and blood transfusion requirements in a study of patients with -thalassemia. The need for frequent blood transfusions and complications of the disease that result in more clinic visits and hospitalizations could raise the odds that someone would come into contact with the virus. If you only receive the gene from one parent, you carry the trait for thalassemia. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes you not to make enough hemoglobin, a protein in your blood. Severe thalassemia used to be fatal by early adulthood, but now people frequently live into their 60s or beyond. Risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by transfusion: A literature review. This is the most important step in keeping you out of the hospital and alive. 2020;7:306.doi:10.3389/fmed.2020.00306, Mungmunpuntipantip R, Wiwanitkit V. Hemoglobinopathy and COVID-19, Hematol Transfus Cell Ther. This shortage has been of even greater concern in South Asia (due to a high incidence of beta-thalassemia), where it's been estimated that 200,000 people depend on regular blood transfusions to manage their condition. They agree that unless you have a very serious allergy to any of the vaccine ingredients, you should strongly consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine because some people with thalassemia have a higher chance of experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19. Vitamin and mineral supplementation for -thalassemia during COVID-19 Thalassaemia - NHS How do I know if I have thalassemia trait? Like in alpha-thalassemia minor, your red blood cells will be smaller, and you may experience mild anemia. 2020;95(8):E208-E210. COVID-19: Beta-Thalassemia Subjects Immunised? - Preprints But if you only have the trait, you may have a slightly increased risk of high blood pressure or anemia during pregnancy, according to 2022 research. 2019;133(12):1279-1289.doi:10.1182/blood-2018-10-879247, Yasara N, Premawardhena A, Mettananda S. A comprehensive review of hydroxyurea for -haemoglobinopathies: the role revisited during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the results of studies have differed regarding how beta thalassemia affects outcomes. You'll likely need several tests by different doctors. The ways that a healthcare provider diagnoses thalassemia depends on the type of thalassemia you have. Am J Hematol. For example, some of the common complications and coexisting conditions caused by thalassemia may also worsen COVID-19. The prevalence among those who were transfusion dependent was roughly the same as people without thalassemia. But you can pass the gene on to future generations. There has also been a shortage at other steps in the process, such as personnel available to perform collections, as well as process and deliver donated blood. Beta thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia). Many patients with haemoglobinopathies, including thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, are at increased risk of developing severe complications from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). WHO COVID19 Dashboard. Thalassemia is an inherited (i.e., passed from parents to children through genes) blood disorder caused when the body doesn't make enough of a protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells. Bookshelf Dr. DelCollo is board-certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. FOIA A comprehensive update of ICET-A Network on COVID-19 in thalassemias: what we know and where we stand. It's recommended that antibiotics be started immediately if people develop a fever or other signs of an infection. States with religious and philosophical exemptions from school immunization requirements. Some researchers hypothesize that thalassemia might be protective against COVID-19 as it is against malaria. (2022). Beta-Thalassemia Minor and SARS-CoV-2: Physiopathology, Prevalence, Severity, Morbidity, and Mortality. In order to better describe the frequency and manifestations of COVID-19 in thalassemia patients living in France, we report the cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection that occurred during the year 2020. Regardless of if a specific blood type is associated with a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe disease, keep in mind that many other factors, such as age or existing health conditions, are likely to play a larger, dominant role in determining personal risk from COVID-19. Susceptibility of -Thalassemia Heterozygotes to COVID-19. EHA and TIF explore how COVID-19 is affecting thalassemia and SCD patients. People with thalassemia should assume that they are as likely to become infected as the general population and are more likely to have severe outcomes. Yes. In general, if both parents have thalassemia trait, theres a: Because more genes are involved in alpha-thalassemia trait, there are several possible outcomes depending on each parents combination of genes. People with thalassemia minor or trait usually do not need blood transfusions because they either do not have anemia or have only a mild anemia. For many people with alopecia areata, dietary changes and adding certain supplements can help manage and treat the condition. You inherit two copies of this gene one from each parent. Folic acid can help red blood cells develop. Patients with beta-thalassaemia increase the risk of bacterial infections, particularly Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp), the causative agent of melioidosis in Thailand. Many times people with thalassemia are prescribed a supplemental B vitamin, known as folic acid, to help treat anemia. If the inherited mutation affects only one gene, you have beta-thalassemia minor. Newborn screening practices and alpha-thalassemia detection United States, 2016. In late 2020, a team of researchers in the United States and Europe succeeded for the first time in using CRISPR to treat 10 people with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. They also shouldnt get it if they have a known allergy to a component of the vaccine. 2020;91(3):e2020026. (2022). APS is an autoimmune disorder that makes your blood clot easily. Beta Thalassemia Trait (Minor) - Nicklaus Children's Hospital While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Thalassemia - Diagnosis | NHLBI, NIH Yet, no matter how difficult the trial, there are often positive points. In thalassemia, the body is unable to make either alpha or beta chains in adequate amounts. If both parents carry a trait for either alpha- or beta-thalassemia, their child could develop a severe form of the disease. While the latest research suggests that antibodies against Covid-19 could be lost in just three months, a new hope has appeared on the horizon: the enigmatic T cell. Only one gene is damaged. They also may have antiviral effects and positive effects on the immune system, particularly with RNA viruses (viruses that have RNA as its genetic material, such as the virus causing COVID-19). Li J, et al. Iron overload: Frequent transfusions due to thalassemia can cause a build up of iron in the blood, which can, in turn, lead to heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and other issues.These conditions are linked to poorer COVID-19 outcomes. You can still pass on the affected gene, but you wont experience any symptoms. If you do, theyll be mild. Blood types can also serve as receptors for viruses and bacteria, and that could be another factor, explained Dr. Russo, there may be some other, completely different component of type O blood that works to prevent infection. Vaccination can help prevent COVID-19 infection and prevent severe illness if you do. With more research, we may one day have a clearer understanding of the connection between COVID-19 and different blood types. People with certain medical conditions, Prevalence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in transfusion dependent and non-transfusion dependent -thalassemia patients and effects of associated comorbidities: an Iranian nationwide study, Care of patients with hemoglobin disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview of recommendations, Blood banking and transfusion medicine challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, The forgotten people with thalassemia in the time of COVID-19: South Asian perspective, Luspatercept improves hemoglobin levels and blood transfusion requirements in a study of patients with -thalassemia, A comprehensive review of hydroxyurea for -haemoglobinopathies: the role revisited during COVID-19 pandemic, FDA Approves First Cell-Based Gene Therapy to Treat Adult and Pediatric Patients with Beta-thalassemia Who Require Regular Blood Transfusions, Management of hemoglobin disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Could iron chelators prove to be useful as an adjunct to COVID-19 Treatment Regimens, Risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by transfusion: A literature review, Vitamin and mineral supplementation for -thalassemia during COVID-19 pandemic, A Southeast Asian perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic: hemoglobin E (HbE)-trait confers resistance against COVID-19, Beta-thalassemia may protect against COVID 19, SARS-CoV-2 infection in beta thalassemia: Preliminary data from the Italian experience, COVID-19 and thalassaemia: A position statement of the Thalassaemia International Federation, Challenging Times for Children With Transfusion-dependent Thalassemia Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, Reduced immune response: Excess iron can build up in regions of the body such as the. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by an inherited mutation in your HBB gene. "All may acquire COVID-19 and all should take the recommended precautions to reduce the risk.". While the link between blood type and COVID-19 risk is still unclear, it's important to note that there have been links between blood type and diseases in the past.
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