Doctor's Speak

Cause and management of nutritional deficiency in thalassemia

Parents of thalassemic children have several queries regarding the treatment regimen and overall health of their children. Factors that affect growth of the child comes out as a major concern in interaction with parents. In this article, we look at a 2 important aspects which lead to deterioration in growth factors for children with thalassemia and the possible remedies.

When should I consider transplantation for my child with thalassemia?

By Dr. Lawrence Faulkner. Director Sankalp-People Tree Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Bangalore, India and Medical Coordinator Cure2Children Foundation Florence, Italy.

The decision whether to undergo BMT might be a difficult one for many families and patients. As a general rule most children born with thalassemia who have regular access to appropriate supportive care may have a long and productive life.

Things to do before labelling a patient with haemoglobinpathy

At the time of patient enrollment, we doctors collect history and the diagnosis report to confirm haemoglobinpathy. But few of them would have misplaced the report or would not have collected their reports from the previous hospitals which they had visited. Under these circumstances, what are the next steps? Dr. Reshma Srinivas shares her experience with patients at Samraksha, and explores more on this topic. What is haemoglobinopathy? Haemoglobinopathies are diverse group of inherited blood disorders that result from variations in structure or synthesis of haemoglobin.

Is skin branding a treatment for jaundice?

An age old practice which is harming children. - Dr Reshma Srinivas, Project Samraksha Skin branding is a traditional practice seen in villages to treat and prevent certain diseases even today. It is surprising that even in the 21st century modern era such inhumane and irrational practices can still be seen. Skin branding is administered by local healer who most commonly uses heated metal rod and inflicts 2 degree burns on various body parts (forehead, abdomen, arms, wrist, legs etc).

Thalassemia did not stop Pavan from getting 98.08% marks in board exams

Fifteen-year-old Pavan Kumar Singh is a known thalassemic child. When he was diagnosed at the age of 3 months, his family did not have an idea what thalassemia was. He was taken to every possible hospital in Bangalore to find out if there was a cure for his condition. Every doctor they met told them that it was a chronic condition and he had to be on treatment and blood transfusion for his well being and survival. His family lost hope and they decided to end their lives along with the kid.

Regularising blood supply in Bangalore: The Sankalp Experience

Dr Prasanna, the Blood Bank Medical Officer of Victoria Hospital, Bangalore had a hard time in the last week of October. As many as 5 different individuals/organizations wanted to organize a blood donation drive on 1 November - the day of Kannada Rajyotsava. The Medical Officer says that despite him requesting some of them to reschedule the drives to a later date; none were even considering it. Emotions related to the day ran high. Eventually the blood bank agreed to do one drive and informed the others that they were currently too busy and sufficiently stocked!.

Can one donate blood with diabetes, cholesterol, controlled blood pressure and after cured tuberculosis?

Medical Conditions and blood donation

As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and guidelines from national blood transfusion council the medical conditions mentioned for deferral is vague and incomplete and hence the medical officer has got the discretion to take or defer donation based on recent developments in modern medicine.  

According to Dr Sunder Periyavan, Additional Professor, Officer in charge, Transfusion Medicine Center, NIMHANS, Bangalore -

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