Abstract

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disease associated by inadequate hemoglobin production that occurs due to mutations in the genes involved in hemoglobin production. This study evaluates the financial and human costs associated with thalassemia patients who undergo chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Adults, who reported a physician diagnosis of thalassemia and got 1 RBC transfusion within the past six months were contained within this cross-sectional, US-based study. In addition to the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, treatment experience, treatment costs, results and physiological burden. The survey was completed by 1000 patients in all, 70% had "moderate" to "extremely high" load from RBC infusions, 81% had iron overload, and 42% had social lives that were affected. Even though patients continuously endured mild to severe sadness and anxiety, significant direct costs, reduced work, and subpar quality of life, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) briefly enhanced after RBC transfusion. Beta globin gene mutation results in the inherited hemoglobinopathies known as beta thalassemia (-thalassemia), which produce minimally functioning hemoglobin, anemia and damage to red blood cells. The Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, South-East Asia, the Mediterranean Sea are where thalassemia is most prevalent.