People with transfusion-dependent beta thalassaemia (beta thalassaemia major) need regular blood transfusions, while people with non-transfusion-dependent beta thalassaemia (beta thalassaemia major) can have blood transfusions more infrequently, at irregular intervals or even on an as-needed basis.1 The aim of these blood transfusions is to provide an effective and reliable supply of enough red blood cells and to minimise the burden of beta thalassaemia on patients in their everyday lives.1
In healthy people, the bone marrow can supply enough red blood cells because it is constantly forming new blood cells. The natural breakdown and new formation of blood cells makes sure that the amount of cells stays on an even keel. This does not work in people with beta thalassaemia. For them, a sufficient and tolerable amount of healthy red blood cells (haemoglobin [Hb] value of 13-14 g/dL after the infusion2) is ensured by way of transfusions.
The Hb (haemoglobin) value is a parameter that can be measured using a blood test. It provides information on how many red blood cells were present at the time the blood sample was taken.
You shouldn't have too much blood in your body at once, as this is also bad for you.
After the transfusion, the body starts to use the red blood cells up and the Hb value falls. A new transfusion is usually planned for beta thalassaemia patients when their Hb value falls below 9-10 g/dL.2
Red blood cells have a life span of around 120 days.
People with beta thalassaemia form too few new red blood cells, and those that are formed are often unstable and don't work as well. This means that less oxygen is transported around the body than in healthy people and that the organs don't receive enough oxygen. This is called anaemia, and it results in affected people feeling lethargic and constantly tired – but it can even lead to heart problems, for example.3 In the case of beta thalassaemia, blood transfusions are vital.2 However, regular blood transfusions have the side effect of causing treatment-related iron overload in the body, as each transfusion supplies more iron bound in the red blood cells.1
The blood transfusions themselves take place under supervision in specialist medical centres. Before the transfusion, the blood to be transfused naturally undergoes quality control. In addition, the recipient of the blood must have certain tests to make sure that the blood is suitable and to prevent alloimmunisation. This is because not all blood is made equal. There are substances called "markers", which can differ from person to person. Blood groups are an example of such markers. Everybody should receive donor blood only if its markers are compatible with their own blood