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A recent study conducted by researchers at Chiang Mai University in Thailand examined the causes and characteristics of hospital admissions among pediatric patients with thalassemia under the National Health Coverage (NHC) scheme in Thailand. The study found that thalassemia, a hereditary hemolytic anemia prevalent in Southeast Asia, poses a significant healthcare challenge in Thai children, with high admission rates and costs. Infections were more common in younger patients, while cardiac complications and diabetes mellitus were more common in older patients. The study also noted a decrease in hospital admissions for cardiac complications and diabetes mellitus, suggesting the successful implementation of iron chelation medications. [Extracted from the article]

Thalassemia, a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production, is a significant public health challenge in Thailand, with a high prevalence and substantial healthcare costs. The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand has implemented a policy for thalassemia prevention and control, offering free laboratory tests and prenatal diagnosis to pregnant couples. However, a lower percentage of Thai women are willing to undergo prenatal thalassemia screening compared to the global average, partly due to concerns about costs. Despite these challenges, Thailand is making strides in thalassemia awareness and prevention, with the proactive approach of Thai women offering a promising outlook for the control of this hereditary disease in the country. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Chiang Mai University in Thailand investigated the alterations of plasma metabolomics in adult thalassemia patients with low bone mineral density (BMD). The researchers found several changes in plasma metabolome levels among thalassemia patients with low BMD, including altered glutamate-glutamine metabolism, impaired fatty acid oxidation, and increased plasma phosphatidylinositol. These changes were also observed in patients with normal BMD but were further increased in patients with low BMD. The findings suggest that plasma metabolomics could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for osteoporotic conditions in thalassemia patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Chiang Mai University in Thailand examined the survival and causes of death in patients with alpha and beta-thalassemia, the most common hereditary anemia worldwide. The study found that the survival of patients with thalassemia has significantly improved over the past three decades, particularly for those with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). The main factors associated with poorer survival were TDT and a mean serum ferritin level of 3,000 ng/mL. The two major causes of death in thalassemia patients were infection-related causes and cardiac complications. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Guangdong Women and Children Hospital in southern China identified two cases of Hb Q-Thailand heterozygosity that were not linked to the (-a4.2/) a+-thalassemia deletion allele. The study aimed to report the hematological and molecular features of this rare manifestation. The researchers used long-read single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, along with traditional methods, to diagnose the patients. The study concluded that SMRT technology may be a more comprehensive and precise method for diagnosing rare variants in clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Chiang Mai University in Thailand explored potential inhibitors for managing b-thalassemia, a condition characterized by decreased hemoglobin synthesis. The researchers used virtual screening and molecular docking techniques to identify compounds with structural similarities to a known inhibitor. Two promising candidates were identified and further analyzed through pharmacokinetic properties analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. The study suggests that these compounds could potentially be used as therapeutic drugs for managing b-thalassemia, although further validation through in vitro and in vivo experiments is needed. [Extracted from the article]

New research conducted at Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand focuses on post-natal screening for thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies in newborns. The study found a high heterogeneity of thalassemia genotypes, with seventeen different genotypes identified. The researchers developed and validated a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) colorimetric assay for detecting a-thalassemia (SEA deletion) using direct cord blood sampling. The assay showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it a simple and rapid screening tool for a-thalassemia. This research could support early prevention and management of thalassemia in children and contribute to long-term prevention and control programs in Thailand. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Chiang Mai University in Thailand explored the use of third-generation sequencing (TGS) as a screening method for thalassemia, a type of congenital anemia. The researchers found that TGS was able to provide additional genetic diagnoses compared to conventional methods. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed to determine the cost-effectiveness and clinical applicability of TGS. This study contributes to the understanding of thalassemia screening methods and may have implications for future clinical practices. [Extracted from the article]

We noticed common genotypes in 129 patients and eight patients had rare Hb H disease caused by compound heterozygous a0-thalassemia (--CR or --SA deletion) with a+-thalassemia (-a3.7/-a4.2/aConstant Springa). Keywords: Asia; Congenital Anemia; Epidemiology; Genetics; Health and Medicine; Hematologic Diseases and Conditions; Hematology; Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases and Conditions; Hemoglobinopathies; Hemolytic; Thailand; Thalassemia EN Asia Congenital Anemia Epidemiology Genetics Health and Medicine Hematologic Diseases and Conditions Hematology Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases and Conditions Hemoglobinopathies Hemolytic Thailand Thalassemia 294 294 1 07/03/23 20230703 NES 230703 2023 JUL 7 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Hematology Week -- A new study on thalassemia is now available. [Extracted from the article]