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Hemoglobin is made of two proteins: Alpha globin and beta globin
2/26/2013 11:00:27 AM
There are many forms of thalassemia. Each type has many different subtypes. Both alpha and beta thalassemia include the following two forms:
- Thalassemia major
- Thalassemia minor
You must inherit the defective gene from both parents to develop thalassemia major.
Thalassemia minor occurs if you receive the defective gene from only one parent. Persons with this form of the disorder are carriers of the disease and usually do not have symptoms.
Beta thalassemia major is also called Cooley's anemia.
Risk factors for thalassemia include:
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