Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

First Transfusion

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Lisacroft:
Andy,
     So is 3 high? The lady that called with his results just said that his retic count was normal. He has an ear infection, so would this cause his hb to drop to 8.8. It was 10.3 before the infection? Would it drop that much from an infection?

Lisa

Andy Battaglia:
A retic count of 3 is a bit high (normal is .5-1.5), but that's normal when the Hb is below normal. The Hb can drop a couple points in thals when they have infections, but it could also be that his Hb has started dropping. You'll know within a few weeks if it rebounds. If it doesn't and continues to drop, planning for transfusion should be done. Any delay in transfusion like this is a positive, as it also means a delay in when chelation begins, which becomes easier to manage as children get a little older.

We're probably going to see a new drug approved in the next 5 years that will greatly reduce or eliminate the need for transfusions in thals. The future is looking very hopeful.

Lisacroft:
Hi Andy,
    I took Aiden back to the doctor yesterday to re-check on his ear infection and while we were there, I had them re-check his hbg and it was 9.9. It seems to be going back up. I am soooo happy. Thank you so much for all of your advice and support. I will keep you posted on our journey.

Lisa

Sharmin:
Lisacroft,

That is great news!

Andy Battaglia:
That's really good to hear, Lisa.

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