Thalassemia Treatment in India: Treatment Cost & Top Doctors

An estimated 80 million people worldwide suffer from thalassaemia, making it a global health concern. Unfortunately, there are still many countries that lack awareness and understanding of thalassemia and its treatment. While some countries face challenges related to healthcare infrastructure and specialised resources, others, like the UK and the USA, offer advanced treatment options, but at a higher cost, making them less accessible to patients with financial limitations.

India, on the other hand, has become a top location for thalassaemia treatment due to its combination of low costs, modern medical facilities, and highly qualified experts. India places a strong emphasis on early diagnosis and efficient disease management in light of the difficulties faced by those who have thalassaemia. Because of this, the nation is becoming more and more known for offering both domestic and international patients high-quality and reasonably priced healthcare.

What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that impacts your body’s crucial protein needed for making haemoglobin and red blood cells. Since haemoglobin enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body, supplying the other cells with nutrients, the deficiency results in reduced oxygen transport throughout the body, causing symptoms such as anaemia, fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. When you get affected by thalassemia your body reduces its haemoglobin production depriving your body’s cells of the oxygen, they require to create energy and thrive. This can further lead to severe complications like bone deformities, growth retardation, and organ damage. 

While there are thalassemia major vs minor types that require different treatment approaches, their symptoms tend to be anaemia-like symptoms that range from mild to severe. Treatment options are mostly determined based on medical history, age and severity of the condition. This treatment page will aware you on everything you need to know about getting thalassemia treatment in India.

What are the Types of Thalassemia?

There are different thalassemia types based on which globin genes alpha or beta are affected. The severity of the condition depends on how many gene mutations are inherited and from which parent:

■ Alpha Thalassemia:

Since you tend to inherit four genes, two from each parent, that make alpha globin protein chains, where even a single defective gene can result in alpha thalassemia. Alpha thalassemia occurs when one or more of the four genes that make alpha globin protein chains are defective. The severity of the condition you experience depends on the number of defective genes:

• One defective or missing alpha gene: You will not experience no or only mild symptoms. This condition is also known as alpha thalassemia minima, or a silent carrier state.
• Two defective or missing alpha genes: This condition means that if you experience symptoms, they are more likely to be mild. This condition is also referred to as alpha thalassemia minor or trait.
• Three defective or missing alpha genes: During this condition you might experience moderate to severe symptoms. This form is known as Haemoglobin H disease and might require medical intervention.
• Four defective or missing alpha genes: This condition, also known as hydrops fetalis with Haemoglobin Barts, is often fatal in newborns. In rare cases where survival occurs, lifelong blood transfusions are required.

■ Beta Thalassemia:

This condition mainly happens when you inherit two beta-globin genes, one from each parent. While the severity of the condition depends on the number of genes that are defected and the location of the defect, here’s how you might feel for each condition:

• One defective or missing beta gene: This condition is characterized by mild symptoms. Another name for this condition is beta thalassemia minor.
• Two defective or missing beta genes:  Two defective or misisng beta genes leads to moderate to severe symptoms and can present in two forms. The moderate one is named thalassemia intermedia while the beta thalassemia involving two gene mutations is called beta thalassemia major or Cooley’s anaemia.

What are the Thalassemia Symptoms?

Thalassemia symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. These symptoms play a key role in determining the most appropriate treatment plan. They are classified into:

■ Asymptomatic (lacks symptoms):

Some patients, especially those with alpha thalassemia minima or beta thalassemia minor, may not exhibit any obvious symptoms. These cases often go undiagnosed unless detected through routine blood tests. However, mild fatigue or persistent tiredness can sometimes be present.

■ Moderate Symptoms:

In cases of thalassemia intermedia or mild forms of haemoglobin H disease, the symptoms include:

• Delayed growth or development
• Late onset of puberty
• Bone abnormalities, including osteoporosis
• Mild to moderate anaemia
• Enlarged spleen or splenomegaly

■ Severe symptoms:

Severe thalassemia, such as beta thalassemia major or severe haemoglobin H disease, can cause:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Pale or yellowish skin (jaundice)
• Dark-coloured urine
• Deformed or irregular facial bone structure
• Poor appetite
• Growth retardation and delayed milestones
• Shortness of breath

How is Thalassemia Diagnosed?

Before going for thalassemia treatment, you must undergo some evaluation and blood tests to diagnose the disorder properly. The tests required to diagnose thalassemia may vary depending on the suspected type of thalassemia and the patient’s individual symptoms and medical history. Here is a list of tests used to diagnose thalassemia:

■ Complete Blood Count (CBC):

This test measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, and platelets. Thalassemia is indicated by:

• Low haemoglobin levels
• Smaller-than-normal red blood cells
• Reduced RBC count

■ Haemoglobin Electrophoresis:

This test identifies and quantifies the different types of haemoglobin in the blood. Patients with thalassemia often have abnormal forms or imbalanced levels of haemoglobin, which helps differentiate between thalassemia types.

■ Iron Studies:

Iron tests, including serum ferritin, iron, and total iron-binding capacity help distinguish thalassemia from iron-deficiency anaemia. While both conditions cause low haemoglobin, iron levels are normal or elevated in thalassemia.

■ Genetic Testing:

Genetic testing detects mutations in the globin genes responsible for thalassemia. It confirms the diagnosis and identifies carriers, even in asymptomatic patients. It is particularly useful for family screening and planning.

■ Prenatal Testing:

The prenatal diagnostic methods include Chorionic Villus Sampling and Amniocentesis. This test involves taking a sample of the placenta or amniotic fluid, respectively, for genetic testing, and is performed during pregnancy to determine if a foetus has thalassemia.

However, the moment you are diagnosed with thalassemia, try to consult a healthcare specialist for an accurate treatment plan to get an effective thalassemia treatment.

What are the Options for Thalassemia Treatment in India? 

Whatever your causes of thalassemia might be, it’s important to avoid putting yourself in those situations during and after the diagnosis and treatment. However, once you are evaluated and thoroughly checked, depending on your health condition and the severity of the disorder, your doctor might suggest one of the following options for thalassemia treatment: 

■ Folic Acid Supplements:

Folic acid supports the production of healthy red blood cells. Your doctor can recommend these supplements, especially in the early stages of treatment or for patients with mild forms of thalassemia.

■ Blood Transfusions:

Regular blood transfusions are crucial for moderate to severe thalassemia treatment. They help maintain healthy haemoglobin levels and ensure the body receives adequate oxygen. Depending on the severity, transfusions might be needed every few weeks.

■ Iron Chelation Therapy:

Frequent transfusions can lead to iron overload, which can damage vital organs such as the heart and liver. Iron chelation therapy removes excess iron from the body using medications such as Deferasirox and Deferoxamine.

■ Splenectomy:

In cases where the spleen becomes enlarged and starts destroying red blood cells excessively, a splenectomy is advised. This surgery helps improve the effectiveness of blood transfusions and reduces the need for them.

■ Bone Marrow Transplant:

This is currently the only curative and most effective thalassemia treatment method. Here, the patient’s bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells from a compatible donor, ideally a sibling. While highly effective, it is recommended in severe cases and requires a suitable donor match and access to advanced medical facilities for a successful transplant.

■ Management of Complications:

Thalassemia Patients need regular monitoring for complications like heart problems due to iron overload, bone deformities, and infections.

How is Recovery after Thalassemia Treatment in India? 

Recovery after thalassemia treatment in India varies depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment received. While milder forms can be effectively managed with routine care, severe cases require lifelong monitoring and support. Although stem cell transplants can be a potential cure for severe forms, but finding a compatible donor can be difficult. After treatment, patients are provided with a personalised recovery plan that includes medication, dietary and lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical follow-ups. These follow-ups involve complete blood counts, iron studies, and annual tests for heart and liver function, as well as screenings for viral infections. For patients who have undergone transfusions, yearly assessments for iron overload such as MRI or FerriScan are necessary to prevent long-term organ damage. Adhering strictly to your doctor’s recommendations and attending regular check-ups help maintain stability, prevent complications and improve the overall quality of life after treatment.

What is the Cost of Thalassemia Treatment in India?

While BMT can be an expensive option for thalassemia treatment in countries like USA, UK, Africa and Thailand, in India the cost ranges from $20,400 to $47,600, depending on the hospital or private clinic, transplant procedure, hospital stay, medication regimen and associated care. Furthermore, India offers a success rate of 60% - 70% in thalassemia treatment, offering the best international alternative at a cheaper price than countries like Africa, the UK, the USA and Thailand. India’s affordability, success rate and well-credited hospitals make it a popular choice for patients of African countries, like Ghana, Ethiopia, Congo, and Kenya. 

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