Megan has thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder similar to the more familiar sickle-cell anemia. Children with thalassemia, also called Cooley's anemia, do not produce an adequate amount of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying substance in the blood. Treatment involves regular blood transfusions to keep the hemoglobin level near normal. Without treatment, the spleen, liver and heart become enlarged, bones become brittle, and facial bones become distorted. Life expectancy without treatment is about 5 years. |