THALASSEMIA
Modern understanding of Thalassemia:
Thalassemia’s are a group of congenital disorders in which there is a partial or complete defect in the synthesis of one or more of the subunits of hemoglobin.
Haemoglobin:
Haemoglobin is a complex molecule made up of Haem and Globin. Haem component has Iron. Globin is a polypeptide chain synthsized by ribosomes. Different types of haemoglobins are formed depending on the amino acid composition of the polypeptide portion. The different types of chains are alpha chains, beta chains, gamma chains and delta chains. The most common form of haemoglobin in the adult human being is Haemoglobin A.
In the foetus, Haemoglobin F is the functional component. This form of haemoglobin disappears in the neonatal phase. However in thalassemia, its production is maintained to compensate for the failure to synthesize normal haemoglobin.
Thalassemia
Thalassemia’s are due to decreased production of either alpha/ beta chains of Haemoglobin. The exact cause is not yet understood. The illness is found in subjects with a genetic predisposition, where one or both parents are carriers of the thalassemic trait. Thalassemia can be of Major or Minor type.
Thalassemia’s are normally classified as incurable and the severe forms of this disease viz. Thalassemia Major, require active medical support to provide a reasonably good quality of life.
CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC DESCRIPTION OF THALASSEMIA MAJOR
Thalassemia is usually discovered as an anaemia or sudden complications. Thalassemia major manifests in the frst year of life itself, but Thalassemia minor may go undetected for years.
Some Clinical manifestations of thalassemia
1. Cooley’s anemia is the most severe form of congenital hemolytic anemia-clinical signs come up within the first 4-6 months of life when the switch over from alpha to beta chain occurs.
2. Severe hemolytic anaemia – jaundice, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, indirect bilirubin in the plasma.
3. Malnourished and wasting, slow growth and development
4. Adolescent’s- secondary sexual characteristics are delayed
5. Peculiar skin color due to combination of icterus and increased melanin deposition
6. Skeletal abnormalities, secondary to expansion of erythroid marrow
7. Chip munk appearance due to malar bone enlargement; malocclusion of the jaw.
8. Cardiomegaly- congestive heart failure
9. Splenomegaly, Hepatomegaly- jaundice
10. Blood: hypochromic and microcytic RBC. Foetal Hb is more and adult Hb is low.
EXISTING TREATMENTS
1. Supportive line of treatment.
2. Blood transfusions. To maintain Hb > 9gm%
3. Folic acid supplements
4. Splenectomy- to reduce RBC destruction.
5. Treat iron overload.
6. Genetic counselling and ante natal diagnosis to prevent Thalassemia Major.
PROGNOSIS
1. Short life span- adulthood.
2. Chronic blood transfusions lead to iron overload – leading to hepatic, pancreatic and cardiac abnormalities.
3. Chronic hypoxia and myocardial siderosis leads to cardiac arrythmias and congestive failure.
TREATMENT TARGETS
1. Medicines that can help in improving iron absorption and assimilation
2. By maintaining Hb around 9 mg%, we can prevent hypoxia- related destruction of cells and further damage of other tissues.
3. Reduction of symptoms of weakness, irregular menses, dyspnoea, lack of concentration, lethargy, functional murmur and palpitations.
4. Avoid iron overload crisis by reducing the number of blood transfusions required.
5. Attempt to cure the illness/achieve sustainable stability on a permanent basis.
‘FREEDOM’ MANAGEMENT
A New and Humane approach in the management of Thalassemia’s
Disease is perceived as something more than changes in blood, flesh and bones. It is a dynamic malfunction resulting in signs and symptoms on the physical plane. Thus the genetic malfunction is the result of the illness rather than the cause. The cause is perceived to be at the vibrational level (in the subtle body) – a concept which exists in the naturopathic holistic approach of understanding illness.
Special treatment programmes, a speciality of Freedom Clinics, after years of clinical research are helping patients with so called incurable diseases. These treatments are based on the eternal principle of the inherent curative and harmonizing capabilities of the human body. Advanced nutritional therapy, insightful homoeopathy (called gene function modifying therapy), high tech herbal extracts and other naturopathic treatments are helping thalassemic patients to achieve a level of health which seemed impossible till date.
A. Improving Quality of life
Constitutional analysis helps in determining the exact state of health – physical and mental. Body functions are optimized by expert nutritional advises, specially designed to help assimilate haemoglobin and preserve RBC. Biochemic tissue salts help in assimilation of nutrition. Naturopathic therapies also help in maintaining immunity.
B. Attacking the cause
The understanding of the causes of genetic malfunction on the vibrational level is briefly explained below. It is important to understand that there are specific therapies which are capable of modifying illness at genetic level. They minimize the severity of the illness to a very great extent.
Thus there is a reduction in the need of blood transfusions and other complications. The target of this approach is to stabilize the disease with a degree of curative correction and to keep on trying till a satisfactory result is achieved.
The Dynamic Approach:
The principle of Vital energy is being discussed in modern medical circles. Life is beyond flesh, blood, nerves and chemistry. Science can duplicate any material and chemical reaction, but cannot put life in it.
Freedom Clinics recognizes and gives importance to this concept of a Life force. A model of subtle human anatomy based on a dynamic vibrational pattern helps in defining health and disease. This dynamis is responsible for normal functioning at the cellular and genetic level. A dynamic vibrational pattern in harmony is health, and disharmony is disease. Simultaneously, powerful medicinal agents which can balance this dynamis are available. Judicious use of such healing agents restore health, even in severe disorders.
Modern research indicating that chronic illnesses are psycho-somatic (originating in the mind) confirms to the principles of Dynamic Approach.
The Major treatment weapons of dynamic approach:
A unique amalgamation of therapies (holistic approach) by Freedom clinics is extremely useful in combating many chronic and severe illnesses. More than 30 therapies are available, but the following are most important.
1. Advanced Naturopathic nutrition
2. Constitutional medicine
3. Immune modulators
4. Supplements
5. Mind therapy
6. Others naturopathic treatments
Answers to doubts and questions:
1. Alternative medicine is unreliable?
Alternative medicine derives it name from ‘An alternative approach to replace modern medicines’ in the management of illness. In fact the so called alternative medicines were in existence since hundred of years but were sidelined in the last century.
The use of modern technology and research in the field of alternative medicines has upgraded the reliability of such medicines. The use of herbal extracts, supplements and other treatments are proving their effectiveness in acute and chronic illnesses all over the world. Major pharmaceutical companies are diverting their attention to this area in view of the growing resistances and side effects to allopathic drugs in the management of acute and chronic illness.
2. Only Modern Hospitals can treat thalassemia?
Modern allopathic treatments have contributed some approaches towards the management of Thalassemia. Research techniques have identified the failure of the synthesis of haemoglobin, but still the exact cause in unknown.
In thalassemia major, blood transfusions are life saving. However, the quality of life in such patients is far from desirable. Severe side effects, short life span and torturous treatment procedures (removal of body organs) are still unresolved.
Alternative treatments play an important role in the management of thallasemia in varying degrees and in conjunction with modern hospitals. Hence, thalassemia’s are also managed by other schools of treatments besides modern hospitals.
3. Homoeopaths are not qualified doctors?
Homoeopathy was invented by Dr Samuel Hahnemann of Germany in 1790. He was a brilliant student of the modern medical college of those times. He was disillusioned by the inhuman treatments which where prevailing then, and his scientific and research oriented efforts led to the discovery of the homeoepathic healing system.
Since then, homeopathy has spread to more than 80 countries of the world. There are institutions imparting knowledge in homoeopathic healing sciences in respective countries. In India, Homoeopathy is recognized by the Government of India as a healing science. The syllabus of Homoeopathic studies is similar to allopathic stream and of equal duration i.e. 5 ½ years. Also Post graduate degrees (MD) are being offered by reputed universities. Homoeopathic doctors are managing acute, chronic and life threatening illnesses with confidence.
4. On commencing treatment with Freedom Clinics, does one stops modern management?
Freedom Clinics is managed by qualified doctors with more than 25 years of practical experience in the management of chronic illness.
Treatments are designed keeping the patients health status in mind. The importance of some treatments from the allopathic school are recognized. On many occassions, there is a combination of both treatments which are advised till the patient improves and can withdraw life saving drugs safely.
For any further clarifications, please mail your queries to jileshbabla@hotmail.com