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thalassemia

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Thalassemias  are inherited  blood disorders  characterized by abnormal  hemoglobin  production. [7]  Symptoms depend on the type and can vary from none to severe. [1]  Often there is mild to severe  anemia  (low  red blood cells ). [1]  Anemia can result in feeling  tired  and  pale skin . [1]  There may also be bone problems, an  enlarged spleen ,  yellowish skin , dark urine, and among children slow growth. [1] Thalassemias are  genetic disorders  inherited from a person's parents. [2]  There are two main types,  alpha thalassemia  and  beta thalassemia . [7]  The severity of alpha and beta thalassemia depends on how many of the four genes for  alpha globin  or two genes for  beta globin  are missing. [2]  Diagnosis is typically by blood tests including a  complete blood count , special hemoglobin tests, and genetic tests. [3] ...