My 2-year old daughter has some kind of hemolytic anemia but the doctors here (Helsinki, Finland) seem to be unable to define which type. My daughter is given red blood cells once in every 2 weeks. Obviously, this can't continue endlessly.
I cite here her diagnosis:
"Our patient...has been diagnosed to be a carrier of HbS-trait. In HPLC-analysis HbS accounts for 42%, HbAo 41%, HbA2 4% and HbF 6%+ of total. In addition, the ratio of alpha to beta-hains is lightly increase up to 1.25. However, she reamins markedly anemic with a Hb-level of about 90 g/l and MCV up to about 85-90 fl. She also has reticulocyte count of up to 5-6%. Consequently, she does not fullfill the criteria of having either alpha- or beta-thalassemia in conjunction with her HbS-trait. Yet, her Hb-level has to be maintained through monthly infusions of RBC. no signs of increased iron-stores have yet developed and she currently remains well without iron-chelating therapy."
Please, could you tell us where to ask for advice? E-mail-addresses? For more information about my daughter's condition, e-mail her doctor: kim.vettenranta@huch.fi.
Follow Ups:
Re: hemolytic anemia of a 2-year old girl
Posted by Walt Stoll on October 10, 1998 at 10:59:59:
In Reply to: hemolytic anemia of a 2-year old girl posted by john ingoli on October 09, 1998 at 13:58:44:
Dear John,
Obviously, your child has a genetic susceptibility. So far, we do not know how to change that. Current genetic research shows that we eventually WILL be able to alter the genetic structure. Till then, however, she has little choice but to do the best possible with the structure she has.
Go to the archives for this BB & read everything you can find about aplastic anemia since the same mechanisms work for what she has.
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
In the meantime, a serious wellness program could not hurt AND would definitely help ANY other approach work better.
Walt